When Was the Last Time You Felt Happy? || Pastor J.D. Greear

Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. [music] >> Hey, good morning, Summit Online. Happy >> Hey, good morning, Summit Online. Happy Sunday. I am so glad you're here with us Sunday. I am so glad you're here with us Sunday. I am so glad you're here with us this morning. I'm Lauren Thompson, our this morning. I'm Lauren Thompson, our this morning. I'm Lauren Thompson, our Summit online coordinator, and we've got Summit online coordinator, and we've got Summit online coordinator, and we've got a great morning ahead of us. I'm excited a great morning ahead of us. I'm excited a great morning ahead of us. I'm excited you're here. But I want to start off by you're here. But I want to start off by you're here. But I want to start off by saying if this is your first time saying if this is your first time saying if this is your first time joining, welcome. I am so thankful joining, welcome. I am so thankful joining, welcome. I am so thankful you're you're checking us out here at you're you're checking us out here at you're you're checking us out here at Summit and Summit online. We want to Summit and Summit online. We want to Summit and Summit online. We want to connect with you. So, if this is your connect with you. So, if this is your connect with you. So, if this is your first time, you can text welcome to first time, you can text welcome to first time, you can text welcome to 33933. 33933. 33933. Let us know that you're here. It's a Let us know that you're here. It's a Let us know that you're here. It's a great way for me and my team to be able great way for me and my team to be able great way for me and my team to be able to reach out to you, connect, help to reach out to you, connect, help to reach out to you, connect, help answer any questions and any next steps answer any questions and any next steps answer any questions and any next steps that maybe uh you may be wanting to that maybe uh you may be wanting to that maybe uh you may be wanting to take. So, feel free to fill out that take. So, feel free to fill out that take. So, feel free to fill out that form and text that uh welcome to 33933 form and text that uh welcome to 33933 form and text that uh welcome to 33933 to let us know you're here. And shout to let us know you're here. And shout to let us know you're here. And shout out to those of you who join us out to those of you who join us out to those of you who join us regularly, whether in person or online.

regularly, whether in person or online. regularly, whether in person or online. I'm just so glad you're here this I'm just so glad you're here this I'm just so glad you're here this morning. We've got a great morning ahead morning. We've got a great morning ahead morning. We've got a great morning ahead of us. So before we go into our service, of us. So before we go into our service, of us. So before we go into our service, we have a few announcements. Uh and then we have a few announcements. Uh and then we have a few announcements. Uh and then we'll talk about a little bit about the we'll talk about a little bit about the we'll talk about a little bit about the service. And yeah, so first off, uh I service. And yeah, so first off, uh I service. And yeah, so first off, uh I know if you were here last week, we know if you were here last week, we know if you were here last week, we mentioned it online about student camps mentioned it online about student camps mentioned it online about student camps and kids camp. It has started. So today and kids camp. It has started. So today and kids camp. It has started. So today we had high school students leaving we had high school students leaving we had high school students leaving here. They are on their way to camp. And here. They are on their way to camp. And here. They are on their way to camp. And uh I'm just so excited to see what the uh I'm just so excited to see what the uh I'm just so excited to see what the Lord's going to do. But we could Lord's going to do. But we could Lord's going to do. But we could continue to pray with our students and continue to pray with our students and continue to pray with our students and for our students for the leaders for for our students for the leaders for for our students for the leaders for safety as they're traveling today and safety as they're traveling today and safety as they're traveling today and over the next several weeks as we do over the next several weeks as we do over the next several weeks as we do high school camps, middle school camp, high school camps, middle school camp, high school camps, middle school camp, and kids camp. So, uh, I would encourage and kids camp. So, uh, I would encourage and kids camp. So, uh, I would encourage you guys, whether you have students and you guys, whether you have students and you guys, whether you have students and kids that are participating or not, we kids that are participating or not, we kids that are participating or not, we would love for you to partner with us by would love for you to partner with us by would love for you to partner with us by praying for these camps, praying that praying for these camps, praying that praying for these camps, praying that the Lord moves, that he works in the the Lord moves, that he works in the the Lord moves, that he works in the lives of each student uh, directly and lives of each student uh, directly and lives of each student uh, directly and uh that we see a movement of the gospel uh that we see a movement of the gospel uh that we see a movement of the gospel taking hold in these heart in the hearts taking hold in these heart in the hearts taking hold in these heart in the hearts of these students and kids and that they of these students and kids and that they of these students and kids and that they go out and grow as disciples and share go out and grow as disciples and share go out and grow as disciples and share with others. So, uh, one tangible way with others. So, uh, one tangible way with others. So, uh, one tangible way that we can do that is at all of our that we can do that is at all of our that we can do that is at all of our permanent locations today. Today we've permanent locations today. Today we've permanent locations today. Today we've been passing out these bracelets and been passing out these bracelets and been passing out these bracelets and these bracelets have the name of a these bracelets have the name of a these bracelets have the name of a student and which camp they're going to.

student and which camp they're going to. student and which camp they're going to. Um, and so we want to pray for students Um, and so we want to pray for students Um, and so we want to pray for students and kids by name. So, uh, if if you're and kids by name. So, uh, if if you're and kids by name. So, uh, if if you're not able to be in person and get one of not able to be in person and get one of not able to be in person and get one of those bracelets, you can email us at those bracelets, you can email us at those bracelets, you can email us at onlinesummitchurch.com onlinesummitchurch.com onlinesummitchurch.com to request us to send you we'll either to request us to send you we'll either to request us to send you we'll either send you a bracelet or send you the name send you a bracelet or send you the name send you a bracelet or send you the name of a student that you can be praying for of a student that you can be praying for of a student that you can be praying for uh, and partner with us and praying for uh, and partner with us and praying for uh, and partner with us and praying for them. So, if you would like to them. So, if you would like to them. So, if you would like to participate in that, please send us an participate in that, please send us an participate in that, please send us an email. Again, you can see the email down email. Again, you can see the email down email. Again, you can see the email down address down there. And, uh, let us address down there. And, uh, let us address down there. And, uh, let us know. Let us know you would like to know. Let us know you would like to know. Let us know you would like to participate in praying for the students participate in praying for the students participate in praying for the students at camp. All right, guys. Well, uh, I'm at camp. All right, guys. Well, uh, I'm at camp. All right, guys. Well, uh, I'm also excited today continuing on talking also excited today continuing on talking also excited today continuing on talking about prayer because we as a church at about prayer because we as a church at about prayer because we as a church at Summit love to send. We we we say we Summit love to send. We we we say we Summit love to send. We we we say we want to send every member. And so today, want to send every member. And so today, want to send every member. And so today, as part of that, we are actually as part of that, we are actually as part of that, we are actually commissioning and praying over a church commissioning and praying over a church commissioning and praying over a church plant that we're sending out as part of plant that we're sending out as part of plant that we're sending out as part of our summit collaborative. So, uh, Oasis our summit collaborative. So, uh, Oasis our summit collaborative. So, uh, Oasis Church is a church plant that is Church is a church plant that is Church is a church plant that is launching and starting in Charlotte, launching and starting in Charlotte, launching and starting in Charlotte, North Carolina. And it is part of our North Carolina. And it is part of our North Carolina. And it is part of our Summit Collaborative. And so, I wanted Summit Collaborative. And so, I wanted Summit Collaborative. And so, I wanted to make sure and share a little bit to make sure and share a little bit to make sure and share a little bit about Summit Collaborative with you in about Summit Collaborative with you in about Summit Collaborative with you in case you haven't heard about it. So, case you haven't heard about it. So, case you haven't heard about it. So, this is a network of churches that we've this is a network of churches that we've this is a network of churches that we've planted or churches that from there that planted or churches that from there that planted or churches that from there that have been planted that we partner with have been planted that we partner with have been planted that we partner with and that we help train and just and that we help train and just and that we help train and just encourage. So, uh, you know, that is a encourage. So, uh, you know, that is a encourage. So, uh, you know, that is a great opportunity if you want to check great opportunity if you want to check great opportunity if you want to check out their existing church page. Maybe out their existing church page. Maybe out their existing church page. Maybe you don't live here in the Triangle and you don't live here in the Triangle and you don't live here in the Triangle and you're curious where their churches are.

you're curious where their churches are. you're curious where their churches are. You can check that out. Scan that QR You can check that out. Scan that QR You can check that out. Scan that QR code with the Summit Collaborative, and code with the Summit Collaborative, and code with the Summit Collaborative, and you can see where some of those church you can see where some of those church you can see where some of those church plants are. All right, guys. Well, we plants are. All right, guys. Well, we plants are. All right, guys. Well, we are back in Philippians today. Man, are back in Philippians today. Man, are back in Philippians today. Man, Pastor Curtis had a fantastic message Pastor Curtis had a fantastic message Pastor Curtis had a fantastic message last week, and we put together a quick last week, and we put together a quick last week, and we put together a quick recap from last week. So, why don't we recap from last week. So, why don't we recap from last week. So, why don't we watch that now? >> [music] >> [music] >> Just like physical maturity has signs of >> Just like physical maturity has signs of >> Just like physical maturity has signs of growing up. You walk, you talk, you growing up. You walk, you talk, you growing up. You walk, you talk, you think differently, spiritual maturity think differently, spiritual maturity think differently, spiritual maturity has signs, too. The way that Paul frames has signs, too. The way that Paul frames has signs, too. The way that Paul frames spiritual [music] maturity is not mainly spiritual [music] maturity is not mainly spiritual [music] maturity is not mainly about how much Bible knowledge you have about how much Bible knowledge you have about how much Bible knowledge you have accumulated. It's not about how long accumulated. It's not about how long accumulated. It's not about how long you've been in church. [music] you've been in church. [music] you've been in church. [music] It's not about how polished you look on It's not about how polished you look on It's not about how polished you look on the outside. No. For the Apostle Paul, the outside. No. For the Apostle Paul, the outside. No. For the Apostle Paul, maturity shows up in a life that is maturity shows up in a life that is maturity shows up in a life that is being shaped to look more and more like being shaped to look more and more like being shaped to look more and more like Jesus [music] Christ. See, what Paul is Jesus [music] Christ. See, what Paul is Jesus [music] Christ. See, what Paul is showing us is that you and I don't have showing us is that you and I don't have showing us is that you and I don't have to [music] choose something consciously to [music] choose something consciously to [music] choose something consciously in order for it to shape us deeply. We in order for it to shape us deeply. We in order for it to shape us deeply. We say this all the time. What you behold, say this all the time. What you behold, say this all the time. What you behold, you eventually become. [music] you eventually become. [music] you eventually become. [music] What you watch and who you follow and What you watch and who you follow and What you watch and who you follow and what you listen to, those [music] things what you listen to, those [music] things what you listen to, those [music] things are not neutral. Those are all things are not neutral. Those are all things are not neutral. Those are all things that are windows into the [music] type that are windows into the [music] type that are windows into the [music] type of person you are becoming. You don't of person you are becoming. You don't of person you are becoming. You don't have to call someone or something your have to call someone or something your have to call someone or something your mentor in order for them to form you.

mentor in order for them to form you. mentor in order for them to form you. You got to know your algorithm is You got to know your algorithm is You got to know your algorithm is forming [music] you. The friends you forming [music] you. The friends you forming [music] you. The friends you choose are forming you. Your favorite choose are forming you. Your favorite choose are forming you. Your favorite podcast is forming you. Your appetites podcast is forming you. Your appetites podcast is forming you. Your appetites are forming you. The things you spend are forming you. The things you spend are forming you. The things you spend money on are forming you. The question money on are forming you. The question money on are forming you. The question is not am I being formed? The [music] is not am I being formed? The [music] is not am I being formed? The [music] question is who and what is forming me? question is who and what is forming me? question is who and what is forming me? So the question you should be asking So the question you should be asking So the question you should be asking yourself is, [music] "Who am I becoming yourself is, [music] "Who am I becoming yourself is, [music] "Who am I becoming without even realizing it?" Every single without even realizing it?" Every single without even realizing it?" Every single person [music] you follow is teaching person [music] you follow is teaching person [music] you follow is teaching you a version of what they consider to you a version of what they consider to you a version of what they consider to be the good life. And they're trying to be the good life. And they're trying to be the good life. And they're trying to say, "The good [music] life can be found say, "The good [music] life can be found say, "The good [music] life can be found right here in this world. So these are right here in this world. So these are right here in this world. So these are the things you need to participate in. the things you need to participate in. the things you need to participate in. These are [music] the things you need to These are [music] the things you need to These are [music] the things you need to accumulate." No, the good life is accumulate." No, the good life is accumulate." No, the good life is pursuing Jesus [music] here until we get pursuing Jesus [music] here until we get pursuing Jesus [music] here until we get to see him and become like him there. to see him and become like him there. to see him and become like him there. For now, [music] we got to start growing For now, [music] we got to start growing For now, [music] we got to start growing up. up. up. That happens as we tell the truth about That happens as we tell the truth about That happens as we tell the truth about where we are. As we set our eyes on where we are. As we set our eyes on where we are. As we set our eyes on where we're going, as we choose [music] where we're going, as we choose [music] where we're going, as we choose [music] carefully who we follow, and as we stand carefully who we follow, and as we stand carefully who we follow, and as we stand firm as we await on our savior. And firm as we await on our savior. And firm as we await on our savior. And until that day, church, by [music] until that day, church, by [music] until that day, church, by [music] grace, we press on.

So, we are back in Philippians today. So, we are back in Philippians today. Pastor JD is going to be teaching from Pastor JD is going to be teaching from Pastor JD is going to be teaching from chapter 4. And y'all, it is a fantastic chapter 4. And y'all, it is a fantastic chapter 4. And y'all, it is a fantastic message. I'm excited for you to hear message. I'm excited for you to hear message. I'm excited for you to hear about it. Uh but before that, as part of about it. Uh but before that, as part of about it. Uh but before that, as part of our worship today, we get to uh our worship today, we get to uh our worship today, we get to uh celebrate and witness some people celebrate and witness some people celebrate and witness some people getting baptized. So, I just want to getting baptized. So, I just want to getting baptized. So, I just want to encourage you guys if you have questions encourage you guys if you have questions encourage you guys if you have questions or want to know more about baptism, you or want to know more about baptism, you or want to know more about baptism, you can text baptism to 33933. That's a can text baptism to 33933. That's a can text baptism to 33933. That's a great way uh for our teams to connect great way uh for our teams to connect great way uh for our teams to connect with you and help answer any questions with you and help answer any questions with you and help answer any questions you may have. But uh get excited with us you may have. But uh get excited with us you may have. But uh get excited with us as we're celebrating baptism. Man, it's as we're celebrating baptism. Man, it's as we're celebrating baptism. Man, it's just so fun to get to see, uh a physical just so fun to get to see, uh a physical just so fun to get to see, uh a physical representation of how Christ has changed representation of how Christ has changed representation of how Christ has changed lives and how Jesus is working in lives. lives and how Jesus is working in lives. lives and how Jesus is working in lives. So, So, So, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> uh with that, we are about to go into >> uh with that, we are about to go into >> uh with that, we are about to go into worship. So, why don't we go now? >> Good morning, Summit family. How we >> Good morning, Summit family. How we doing? doing? doing? Come on, y'all. It is student camp week. Come on, y'all. It is student camp week. Come on, y'all. It is student camp week. I'm going to need a little more than I'm going to need a little more than I'm going to need a little more than that. Okay. Good morning, Summit family. that. Okay. Good morning, Summit family. that. Okay. Good morning, Summit family. How are we doing? [music] There we go.

How are we doing? [music] There we go. How are we doing? [music] There we go. Hey, my name is Curtis. I'm one of the Hey, my name is Curtis. I'm one of the Hey, my name is Curtis. I'm one of the pastors here, man. We have the honor and pastors here, man. We have the honor and pastors here, man. We have the honor and the privilege to celebrate this morning the privilege to celebrate this morning the privilege to celebrate this morning a handful of baptisms. Anybody excited a handful of baptisms. Anybody excited a handful of baptisms. Anybody excited about that? Let's go. about that? Let's go. about that? Let's go. Hey, I am here with my friend, with my Hey, I am here with my friend, with my Hey, I am here with my friend, with my brother in Christ, Greg, and his oldest brother in Christ, Greg, and his oldest brother in Christ, Greg, and his oldest daughter, Rehea. Um, man, I met Greg a daughter, Rehea. Um, man, I met Greg a daughter, Rehea. Um, man, I met Greg a few years ago where our kids were few years ago where our kids were few years ago where our kids were actually taking swim lessons, something actually taking swim lessons, something actually taking swim lessons, something like that, together. And man, we were like that, together. And man, we were like that, together. And man, we were just kind of two dads sitting on the just kind of two dads sitting on the just kind of two dads sitting on the sidelines and decided to go grab dinner sidelines and decided to go grab dinner sidelines and decided to go grab dinner with our wives. And man, that opened up with our wives. And man, that opened up with our wives. And man, that opened up a number of number is an understatement. a number of number is an understatement. a number of number is an understatement. Years of conversations Years of conversations Years of conversations um just about the gospel and all sorts um just about the gospel and all sorts um just about the gospel and all sorts of other things. And when I say I know of other things. And when I say I know of other things. And when I say I know he'd be comfortable with me saying this, he'd be comfortable with me saying this, he'd be comfortable with me saying this, uh, you have never met somebody that did uh, you have never met somebody that did uh, you have never met somebody that did not want the gospel to be true more than not want the gospel to be true more than not want the gospel to be true more than Greg. Um, CS Lewis often called himself Greg. Um, CS Lewis often called himself Greg. Um, CS Lewis often called himself the most unreluctant convert in the the most unreluctant convert in the the most unreluctant convert in the history of the world. I think Greg might history of the world. I think Greg might history of the world. I think Greg might be number two behind CS Lewis. Um, for be number two behind CS Lewis. Um, for be number two behind CS Lewis. Um, for two years, Greg and his wife Deandra, two years, Greg and his wife Deandra, two years, Greg and his wife Deandra, who got baptized last year, um, man, who got baptized last year, um, man, who got baptized last year, um, man, they came to small group for two years.

they came to small group for two years. they came to small group for two years. They came to church for two years. They They came to church for two years. They They came to church for two years. They sat in these seats and listened to sat in these seats and listened to sat in these seats and listened to sermons for two years. And you've never sermons for two years. And you've never sermons for two years. And you've never met somebody that took more notes on met somebody that took more notes on met somebody that took more notes on sermons and more notes in small groups sermons and more notes in small groups sermons and more notes in small groups and more notes on the books that I would and more notes on the books that I would and more notes on the books that I would ask him to read and came in with more ask him to read and came in with more ask him to read and came in with more cynical notes with more conversations cynical notes with more conversations cynical notes with more conversations and had so many questions and still has and had so many questions and still has and had so many questions and still has lots of questions. Still has lots of lots of questions. Still has lots of lots of questions. Still has lots of questions. But at the end of the day, questions. But at the end of the day, questions. But at the end of the day, the ultimate question was, Greg, do you the ultimate question was, Greg, do you the ultimate question was, Greg, do you believe that Jesus was the son of God believe that Jesus was the son of God believe that Jesus was the son of God who came to live the life that you were who came to live the life that you were who came to live the life that you were supposed [music] to live? Died the death supposed [music] to live? Died the death supposed [music] to live? Died the death that you deserved. Did he resurrect from that you deserved. Did he resurrect from that you deserved. Did he resurrect from that? Do you believe that? [music] And that? Do you believe that? [music] And that? Do you believe that? [music] And I'll never forget the morning that I I'll never forget the morning that I I'll never forget the morning that I received a text unprompted and all it received a text unprompted and all it received a text unprompted and all it said was, "Amen." [music] That was it. said was, "Amen." [music] That was it. said was, "Amen." [music] That was it. Just amen. And man, that led to more Just amen. And man, that led to more Just amen. And man, that led to more conversations and here we are today to conversations and here we are today to conversations and here we are today to celebrate with my brother leading his celebrate with my brother leading his celebrate with my brother leading his daughter. Um, and so, daughter. Um, and so, daughter. Um, and so, Greg, man, I'm praising God with you. Greg, man, I'm praising God with you. Greg, man, I'm praising God with you. It's been a long time coming. And so, It's been a long time coming. And so, It's been a long time coming. And so, um, through lots of questions, lots of um, through lots of questions, lots of um, through lots of questions, lots of curse words, lots of all sorts of stuff, curse words, lots of all sorts of stuff, curse words, lots of all sorts of stuff, I could not be happier to celebrate with I could not be happier to celebrate with I could not be happier to celebrate with you. And so, um, Greg, I'm going to ask you. And so, um, Greg, I'm going to ask you. And so, um, Greg, I'm going to ask you the same two questions we ask you the same two questions we ask you the same two questions we ask absolutely everybody. First one's about absolutely everybody. First one's about absolutely everybody. First one's about Savior. The second one's about Lord. Do Savior. The second one's about Lord. Do Savior. The second one's about Lord. Do you believe Jesus has done absolutely you believe Jesus has done absolutely you believe Jesus has done absolutely everything necessary to save you? I everything necessary to save you? I everything necessary to save you? I absolutely do.

absolutely do. absolutely do. >> And are you willing to go wherever he >> And are you willing to go wherever he >> And are you willing to go wherever he calls you to go and do whatever he sends calls you to go and do whatever he sends calls you to go and do whatever he sends you to do? you to do? you to do? >> I am. >> I am. >> I am. >> Let's go. Well, it is my privilege, my >> Let's go. Well, it is my privilege, my >> Let's go. Well, it is my privilege, my brother, to baptize you in the name of brother, to baptize you in the name of brother, to baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy the Father, the Son, and the Holy the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. [music] [music] [applause] So, come on, Summit. Let's stand, let's So, come on, Summit. Let's stand, let's sing, let's keep your hands [music] sing, let's keep your hands [music] sing, let's keep your hands [music] clapping. Come on. [music] [music] This is This is This is the day you make. the day you make. the day you make. So I rejoice and be glad. Rejoice and be So I rejoice and be glad. Rejoice and be So I rejoice and be glad. Rejoice and be glad in me. For this is [music] where I believe For this is [music] where I believe [singing] that you are more than [music] enough. that you are more than [music] enough. More than enough for me.

More than enough for me. More than enough for me. You are faithful [music] You are faithful [music] You are faithful [music] to your promise. You are strong when I to your promise. You are strong when I to your promise. You are strong when I am weak. [music] When I'm standing in am weak. [music] When I'm standing in am weak. [music] When I'm standing in your presence, I have [singing] your presence, I have [singing] your presence, I have [singing] everything I [music] need. everything I [music] need. everything I [music] need. The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength. [music] The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord [music] is my strength. Oh [music] my soul, bless his name. All Oh [music] my soul, bless his name. All that is within me. [music] The joy of that is within me. [music] The joy of that is within me. [music] The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is great. the Lord, the joy of the Lord is great. the Lord, the joy of the Lord is great. [music] Jesus Jesus will come [music and singing] with me. will come [music and singing] with me. will come [music and singing] with me. You are worthy of all, worthy of all You are worthy of all, worthy of all You are worthy of all, worthy of all [music] my praise. [singing] You are faithful to your promise. You You are faithful to your promise. You [music] are strong when I am weak. When [music] are strong when I am weak. When [music] are strong when I am weak. When I'm [singing] standing in your presence, I'm [singing] standing in your presence, I'm [singing] standing in your presence, I am everything I need.

I am everything I need. I am everything I need. [music] The joy of the Lord, the joy of [music] The joy of the Lord, the joy of [music] The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength. [music] The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is [music] my strength. Oh my [singing] soul. Bless his name. Oh my [singing] soul. Bless his name. [music] All that is very [music] All that is very [music] All that is very the joy of the Lord. The joy of [music] the joy of the Lord. The joy of [music] the joy of the Lord. The joy of [music] the Lord is my strength. So let [music] it rise up So let [music] it rise up like a river [music] like a river [music] like a river [music] overflowing. Holy Spirit Holy Spirit and let it pour out and let it pour out and let it pour out with no [music] limit Holy [music] Spirit.

Holy [music] Spirit. Oh, let it rise Oh, let it rise Oh, let it rise like a river [music] like a river [music] like a river [music] like like like overflowing. overflowing. overflowing. Overflow. [music] Overflow. [music] Overflow. [music] Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit [music] overflow, [singing] overflow, [singing] [music] [music] [music] Holy Spirit. [music] [music] Heaven is rejoicing right now. Can we Heaven is rejoicing right now. Can we Heaven is rejoicing right now. Can we just join in with that? Can we lift up just join in with that? Can we lift up just join in with that? Can we lift up praise to the Lord? No matter our praise to the Lord? No matter our praise to the Lord? No matter our circumstances, he is worthy. [music] circumstances, he is worthy. [music] circumstances, he is worthy. [music] He is our joy. He is our joy. He is our joy. Let's sing this together. Let's sing this together. Let's sing this together. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] We are the joy of the [music] [music] joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

The joy of [music] the Lord. The joy of The joy of [music] the Lord. The joy of [singing] the Lord is my strength. [singing] the Lord is my strength. [singing] the Lord is my strength. [music] Oh my soul. Oh my soul. Bless [music] Oh my soul. Oh my soul. Bless [music] Oh my soul. Oh my soul. Bless his name. his name. his name. Oh [music] my soul. Oh my bless his Oh [music] my soul. Oh my bless his Oh [music] my soul. Oh my bless his name. Oh my soul. [music] Oh my soul. [music] Oh my soul. Bless his name. All that is Oh my soul. Bless his name. All that is Oh my soul. Bless his name. All that is within me. Say the joy of the Lord. within me. Say the joy of the Lord. within me. Say the joy of the Lord. [music] The joy of the Lord is my [music] The joy of the Lord is my [music] The joy of the Lord is my strength. strength. strength. [music] [music] [music] We are the Yes, God. Yes, God. [music] Yes, God. Yes, God. [music] The joy of the Lord, let it be our The joy of the Lord, let it be our The joy of the Lord, let it be our strength today. When we say it and strength today. When we say it and strength today. When we say it and declare that, that blesses you, [music] declare that, that blesses you, [music] declare that, that blesses you, [music] God. We want to bless you in the church God. We want to bless you in the church God. We want to bless you in the church this morning. Come on, church. Sing with this morning. Come on, church. Sing with this morning. Come on, church. Sing with me.

me. me. Blessed [music] are those who run to Blessed [music] are those who run to Blessed [music] are those who run to him, who place their hope and confidence him, who place their hope and confidence him, who place their hope and confidence [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] in Jesus. in Jesus. in Jesus. He won't forsake [singing] them. He won't forsake [singing] them. He won't forsake [singing] them. [music] Blessed are those who seek his [music] Blessed are those who seek his [music] Blessed are those who seek his face, who bend their knee and fix their face, who bend their knee and fix their face, who bend their knee and fix their gaze on Jesus. [music] gaze on Jesus. [music] gaze on Jesus. [music] They won't be shen. They won't be shen. They won't be shen. So come on and praise the So come on and praise the So come on and praise the Lord with me. [music and singing] Lord with me. [music and singing] Lord with me. [music and singing] Sing if you love his name. [music] And come on and lift your And come on and lift your [music] voice with me. He's worthy of [music] voice with me. He's worthy of [music] voice with me. He's worthy of all our praise. [music and singing] all our praise. [music and singing] all our praise. [music and singing] Yes, you are, God. We bless you, Lord. Yes, you are, God. We bless you, Lord. Yes, you are, God. We bless you, Lord. And blessed are those who walk with him, And blessed are those who walk with him, And blessed are those who walk with him, whose hearts are set [music] on whose hearts are set [music] on whose hearts are set [music] on pilgrimage with Jesus. They'll see his pilgrimage with Jesus. They'll see his pilgrimage with Jesus. They'll see his glory. [music] Blessed are those who die [music] to Blessed are those who die [music] to live. Whose joy it is to give it all for live. Whose joy it is to give it all for live. Whose joy it is to give it all for Jesus [music] and for him only.

Jesus [music] and for him only. Jesus [music] and for him only. Oh Jesus, [music] Oh Jesus, [music] Oh Jesus, [music] it's all for your glory. Come on, come it's all for your glory. Come on, come it's all for your glory. Come on, come on and praise the [music] on and praise the [music] on and praise the [music] Lord with me. Sing Lord with me. Sing Lord with me. Sing if you love his name. Oh, come on. if you love his name. Oh, come on. if you love his name. Oh, come on. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Come on and lift your Come on and lift your Come on and lift your voice [music] with me. He's worthy of voice [music] with me. He's worthy of voice [music] with me. He's worthy of our praise. Yes, he is. Come on and our praise. Yes, he is. Come on and our praise. Yes, he is. Come on and breathe. breathe. breathe. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> your >> your >> your offering. Sing if you've [music and singing] known Sing if you've [music and singing] known his grace. Oh, how I've known him. Come his grace. Oh, how I've known him. Come his grace. Oh, how I've known him. Come on and lift on and lift on and lift up [music] your holy hands. He's up [music] your holy hands. He's up [music] your holy hands. He's [singing] worthy of all [music] [singing] worthy of all [music] [singing] worthy of all [music] our praise.

We [music] bless God in the sanctuary. We [music] bless God in the sanctuary. Bless God in the fields of Bless God in the fields of Bless God in the fields of [music and singing] plenty. Bless God in [music and singing] plenty. Bless God in [music and singing] plenty. Bless God in your darkest valley. Every chance your darkest valley. Every chance your darkest valley. Every chance [music] I get, I'll bless your name. [music] I get, I'll bless your name. [music] I get, I'll bless your name. Bless God when my hands are empty. Bless Bless God when my hands are empty. Bless Bless God when my hands are empty. Bless [music] God with the praise that cost [music] God with the praise that cost [music] God with the praise that cost me. Bless God when nobody's watching. In me. Bless God when nobody's watching. In me. Bless God when nobody's watching. In every [music] chance I get, I'll bless every [music] chance I get, I'll bless every [music] chance I get, I'll bless your name. Bless God when the weapons your name. Bless God when the weapons your name. Bless God when the weapons [music] [music] [music] for me. Bless God when those are for me. Bless God when those are for me. Bless God when those are falling. Bless God [music] cuz he goes falling. Bless God [music] cuz he goes falling. Bless God [music] cuz he goes before me. Every chance I get, I'll before me. Every chance I get, I'll before me. Every chance I get, I'll bless your name. Bless God [music] for bless your name. Bless God [music] for bless your name. Bless God [music] for he holds the victory. Bless God for he's he holds the victory. Bless God for he's he holds the victory. Bless God for he's always with me. [music] Bless God for always with me. [music] Bless God for always with me. [music] Bless God for he's always worthy. Every chance I get, he's always worthy. Every chance I get, he's always worthy. Every chance I get, I'll [music] bless your name. Yes, I I'll [music] bless your name. Yes, I I'll [music] bless your name. Yes, I will. Oh, every chance [music] I get, will. Oh, every chance [music] I get, will. Oh, every chance [music] I get, I'll bless your name. Oh Jesus, Jesus. I'll bless your name. Oh Jesus, Jesus. I'll bless your name. Oh Jesus, Jesus. Every chance I get to come on [music] Every chance I get to come on [music] Every chance I get to come on [music] and praise and praise and praise [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] with me and sing.

[music and singing] I love the name of [music and singing] I love the name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Come your voice with me. He's worthy of Come your voice with me. He's worthy of Come your voice with me. He's worthy of [singing] all [music] our praise. [singing] all [music] our praise. [singing] all [music] our praise. Come on and bring your Come on and bring your Come on and bring your offering. [music] Sing [singing] if you've known his Sing [singing] if you've known his grace. [music] Thank you, Jesus. grace. [music] Thank you, Jesus. grace. [music] Thank you, Jesus. Come on and [singing] lift Come on and [singing] lift Come on and [singing] lift up [music] your holy hands. up [music] your holy hands. up [music] your holy hands. He's worthy of all [music and singing] He's worthy of all [music and singing] He's worthy of all [music and singing] our praise. Oh yes, he is. Sing. He's our praise. Oh yes, he is. Sing. He's our praise. Oh yes, he is. Sing. He's worthy of [singing] all worthy of [singing] all worthy of [singing] all our praise. [music] >> Yes, Lord. >> Yes, Lord. >> Family, put your [music] hands together. >> Family, put your [music] hands together. >> Family, put your [music] hands together. Lord, we give the Lord his praise. It's Lord, we give the Lord his praise. It's Lord, we give the Lord his praise. It's the praise that he deserves because he the praise that he deserves because he the praise that he deserves because he is highly exalted above all others. you is highly exalted above all others. you is highly exalted above all others. you may take a seat. If we have not had the may take a seat. If we have not had the may take a seat. If we have not had the opportunity to meet, my name is Caleb opportunity to meet, my name is Caleb opportunity to meet, my name is Caleb Fry and I serve as the campus executive Fry and I serve as the campus executive Fry and I serve as the campus executive [music] pastor here at the Capitol Hills [music] pastor here at the Capitol Hills [music] pastor here at the Capitol Hills campus. And as we were just singing that campus. And as we were just singing that campus. And as we were just singing that song, I couldn't help but think that song, I couldn't help but think that song, I couldn't help but think that with a room this size, there are many of with a room this size, there are many of with a room this size, there are many of you who are who are here this morning you who are who are here this morning you who are who are here this morning and you're like, you know what? I'm not and you're like, you know what? I'm not and you're like, you know what? I'm not in a season of plenty. I'm not in a in a season of plenty. I'm not in a in a season of plenty. I'm not in a season of abundance. I'm not really in a season of abundance. I'm not really in a season of abundance. I'm not really in a season of joy. I I'm walking through season of joy. I I'm walking through season of joy. I I'm walking through some hurt. I'm walking through some some hurt. I'm walking through some some hurt. I'm walking through some grief. I'm walking through some anxiety.

grief. I'm walking through some anxiety. grief. I'm walking through some anxiety. And for that, I want y'all to know that And for that, I want y'all to know that And for that, I want y'all to know that we are grateful that you chose to we are grateful that you chose to we are grateful that you chose to worship with us this morning. And I hope worship with us this morning. And I hope worship with us this morning. And I hope that you see there is nothing special that you see there is nothing special that you see there is nothing special about the Summit Church, but what is about the Summit Church, but what is about the Summit Church, but what is special is about the finished work of special is about the finished work of special is about the finished work of Christ. And today, we want to make sure Christ. And today, we want to make sure Christ. And today, we want to make sure that you see him. [music] that you see him. [music] that you see him. [music] We want to put him on display because he We want to put him on display because he We want to put him on display because he is the one who will bring ultimate joy. is the one who will bring ultimate joy. is the one who will bring ultimate joy. And uh you know, we we do we want to And uh you know, we we do we want to And uh you know, we we do we want to bless God here as we worship. We also bless God here as we worship. We also bless God here as we worship. We also want to be a blessing outside of these want to be a blessing outside of these want to be a blessing outside of these walls. And as a church, uh we do walls. And as a church, uh we do walls. And as a church, uh we do something called serve Saturday. Uh this something called serve Saturday. Uh this something called serve Saturday. Uh this happens on the third Saturday of every happens on the third Saturday of every happens on the third Saturday of every single month. And it's a way that we single month. And it's a way that we single month. And it's a way that we partner with organizations across the partner with organizations across the partner with organizations across the triangle where we just want to be a triangle where we just want to be a triangle where we just want to be a blessing to our community. And coming up blessing to our community. And coming up blessing to our community. And coming up this Saturday is the third Saturday, and this Saturday is the third Saturday, and this Saturday is the third Saturday, and you have an opportunity to join in. Uh you have an opportunity to join in. Uh you have an opportunity to join in. Uh you can find out more information about you can find out more information about you can find out more information about different projects and things on our different projects and things on our different projects and things on our website. And maybe you're thinking, "Oh, website. And maybe you're thinking, "Oh, website. And maybe you're thinking, "Oh, Caleb, you know what? I'm sorry. I'm Caleb, you know what? I'm sorry. I'm Caleb, you know what? I'm sorry. I'm going to be out of town this weekend. going to be out of town this weekend. going to be out of town this weekend. Well, guess what? We got you covered. We Well, guess what? We got you covered. We Well, guess what? We got you covered. We went ahead and for the next forever, we went ahead and for the next forever, we went ahead and for the next forever, we have made a third Saturday every single have made a third Saturday every single have made a third Saturday every single month. And so, you'll be able to join in month. And so, you'll be able to join in month. And so, you'll be able to join in then if you can't join [music] in this then if you can't join [music] in this then if you can't join [music] in this this week. But you can find out more this week. But you can find out more this week. But you can find out more information on our website for that. For information on our website for that. For information on our website for that. For those who do call Summit Church home, uh those who do call Summit Church home, uh those who do call Summit Church home, uh we are grateful and uh we we want to we are grateful and uh we we want to we are grateful and uh we we want to give back to God what he has given to give back to God what he has given to give back to God what he has given to us. And there are three ways that you us. And there are three ways that you us. And there are three ways that you can do that. Those are listed on the can do that. Those are listed on the can do that. Those are listed on the screen behind me. If you are a screen behind me. If you are a screen behind me. If you are a first-time guest with us, we don't want first-time guest with us, we don't want first-time guest with us, we don't want you to feel compelled by us to give at

you to feel compelled by us to give at you to feel compelled by us to give at all. We are just really, really glad all. We are just really, really glad all. We are just really, really glad that you're here. In fact, we have a that you're here. In fact, we have a that you're here. In fact, we have a gift for you. If you'll stop by our gift for you. If you'll stop by our gift for you. If you'll stop by our first time guest tent on your way out, first time guest tent on your way out, first time guest tent on your way out, we'd love the opportunity to connect we'd love the opportunity to connect we'd love the opportunity to connect with [music] you. But your giving uh is with [music] you. But your giving uh is with [music] you. But your giving uh is able to fuel the ministries that we have able to fuel the ministries that we have able to fuel the ministries that we have here at the church. And one of those here at the church. And one of those here at the church. And one of those that we want to highlight is our NextG that we want to highlight is our NextG that we want to highlight is our NextG ministry. Um y'all, our NextG ministry, ministry. Um y'all, our NextG ministry, ministry. Um y'all, our NextG ministry, we are in full camp season. Um actually we are in full camp season. Um actually we are in full camp season. Um actually this morning loads and loads of high this morning loads and loads of high this morning loads and loads of high school students bright and early loaded school students bright and early loaded school students bright and early loaded up on a ton of buses and are heading to up on a ton of buses and are heading to up on a ton of buses and are heading to Akoi Tennessee uh for week one of high Akoi Tennessee uh for week one of high Akoi Tennessee uh for week one of high school camp. Uh we've got week two of school camp. Uh we've got week two of school camp. Uh we've got week two of high school camp next week and then high school camp next week and then high school camp next week and then we've got several weeks of kids camp as we've got several weeks of kids camp as we've got several weeks of kids camp as well as middle school camp. And uh we we well as middle school camp. And uh we we well as middle school camp. And uh we we do camp because we know that God works do camp because we know that God works do camp because we know that God works in incredible ways and we've seen him in incredible ways and we've seen him in incredible ways and we've seen him work in incredible ways in changing work in incredible ways in changing work in incredible ways in changing hearts and changing lives. And so today, hearts and changing lives. And so today, hearts and changing lives. And so today, uh, one of the ways that you can uh, one of the ways that you can uh, one of the ways that you can practically help and be a part of this practically help and be a part of this practically help and be a part of this is on your way out today, um, you are is on your way out today, um, you are is on your way out today, um, you are going to have the opportunity to get one going to have the opportunity to get one going to have the opportunity to get one of these really stylish bracelets. Okay? of these really stylish bracelets. Okay? of these really stylish bracelets. Okay? I've been told that they match with I've been told that they match with I've been told that they match with pretty much any attire. So, I'll let pretty much any attire. So, I'll let pretty much any attire. So, I'll let y'all be the judge of that. Uh, but y'all be the judge of that. Uh, but y'all be the judge of that. Uh, but you'll get one of these. And on this, it you'll get one of these. And on this, it you'll get one of these. And on this, it has a name of either a student, a kid, has a name of either a student, a kid, has a name of either a student, a kid, or a leader who is who are going to be or a leader who is who are going to be or a leader who is who are going to be at these camps. And what we want to do at these camps. And what we want to do at these camps. And what we want to do is we want to come alongside as a church is we want to come alongside as a church is we want to come alongside as a church and we want to pray for them. [music] We and we want to pray for them. [music] We and we want to pray for them. [music] We want to pray that God works in want to pray that God works in want to pray that God works in incredible ways um through the camp. And incredible ways um through the camp. And incredible ways um through the camp. And so what I want to do right now is I so what I want to do right now is I so what I want to do right now is I actually want to voice a prayer on actually want to voice a prayer on actually want to voice a prayer on behalf of all of the camps and that are behalf of all of the camps and that are behalf of all of the camps and that are being coming up in the upcoming weeks.

being coming up in the upcoming weeks. being coming up in the upcoming weeks. So let's pray. So let's pray. So let's pray. Father Lord, we thank you so much for Father Lord, we thank you so much for Father Lord, we thank you so much for the work that you have done and God the the work that you have done and God the the work that you have done and God the work that you are doing and the work work that you are doing and the work work that you are doing and the work that you are going to do. And Lord, we that you are going to do. And Lord, we that you are going to do. And Lord, we come before you, God. We pray come before you, God. We pray come before you, God. We pray specifically right now for our students specifically right now for our students specifically right now for our students who are traveling. Lord, we pray for who are traveling. Lord, we pray for who are traveling. Lord, we pray for safety. But ultimately, Lord, we pray safety. But ultimately, Lord, we pray safety. But ultimately, Lord, we pray that their hearts and their lives would that their hearts and their lives would that their hearts and their lives would be directed to you, God. That this week, be directed to you, God. That this week, be directed to you, God. That this week, generational chains of sin would be generational chains of sin would be generational chains of sin would be broken, God. People would be drawn broken, God. People would be drawn broken, God. People would be drawn closer to you, [music] closer to you, [music] closer to you, [music] God. We pray for our kids, God. Those God. We pray for our kids, God. Those God. We pray for our kids, God. Those who are who are just exploring what it who are who are just exploring what it who are who are just exploring what it means to even know Jesus for the very means to even know Jesus for the very means to even know Jesus for the very first time. [music] God, we are praying first time. [music] God, we are praying first time. [music] God, we are praying for life change to happen. And God, we for life change to happen. And God, we for life change to happen. And God, we know that that can only happen through know that that can only happen through know that that can only happen through your power. And so, Lord, I pray for the your power. And so, Lord, I pray for the your power. And so, Lord, I pray for the leaders. God, I pray that you would leaders. God, I pray that you would leaders. God, I pray that you would strengthen them. I pray that you would strengthen them. I pray that you would strengthen them. I pray that you would give them [music] an abundance amount of give them [music] an abundance amount of give them [music] an abundance amount of opportunities for conversations. And opportunities for conversations. And opportunities for conversations. And Lord, we we are going to give you glory Lord, we we are going to give you glory Lord, we we are going to give you glory and praise for everything um in Jesus and praise for everything um in Jesus and praise for everything um in Jesus name. [music] Amen.

So let's stand and respond in worship So let's stand and respond in worship [music] and in faith as we look to the [music] and in faith as we look to the [music] and in faith as we look to the cross together as we sing the [music] cross together as we sing the [music] cross together as we sing the [music] story of salvation together and fix our story of salvation together and fix our story of salvation together and fix our eyes on Jesus. eyes on Jesus. eyes on Jesus. Let's sing. Let's sing. Let's sing. Consider the cross, Consider the cross, Consider the cross, the nails in [music] his hand. the nails in [music] his hand. the nails in [music] his hand. The blood running down, [singing] the [music] thorns in his head. the [music] thorns in his head. Consider the way Consider the way Consider the way [music] [music] [music] they mocked and they scorn, they mocked and they scorn, they mocked and they scorn, [music] the tears that he cried, [music] the tears that he cried, [music] the tears that he cried, the sin [singing] that he [music] bore. Oh, [music] Oh, [music] what kind of love is this? what kind of love is this? what kind of love is this? Oh, Oh, Oh, [music] grace that will never [music] grace that will never [music] grace that will never end. I'm singing [music] end. I'm singing [music] end. I'm singing [music] highle.

highle. highle. I surrender [music] I surrender [music] I surrender [music] all. I'd be [singing] lost if it wasn't all. I'd be [singing] lost if it wasn't all. I'd be [singing] lost if it wasn't for the cross. for the cross. for the cross. >> [music] >> Consider the cost, >> Consider the cost, the ransom he paid, [music] the ransom he paid, [music] the ransom he paid, [music] the anger of God the anger of God the anger of God he [music] took in my place. Oh, he [music] took in my place. Oh, he [music] took in my place. Oh, consider the word. consider the word. consider the word. He came to fulfill [music] and now it is finished and now it is finished on Calary. [music] Yes, it is. Yes, it is. Oh, [music] Oh, [music] Oh, [music] what kind [singing] of love is this? what kind [singing] of love is this? what kind [singing] of love is this? [music] Oh, Oh, praise that will never praise that will never praise that will never [music] end. singing hallelujah.

[music] end. singing hallelujah. [music] end. singing hallelujah. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] I'd be [singing] lost if it [music] I'd be [singing] lost if it [music] wasn't for the cross. wasn't for the cross. wasn't for the cross. That's [music] my story. That's my song. That's [music] my story. That's my song. That's [music] my story. That's my song. [singing] [singing] [singing] Thank you, Jesus. [music] [music] Consider the tomb. Could Consider the tomb. Could Consider the tomb. Could this be the end? this be the end? this be the end? Beautiful Savior, Beautiful Savior, Beautiful Savior, did death really win. Consider our God, [music] Consider our God, [music] the author of life. the author of life. the author of life. [music] No grave could hold [singing] [music] No grave could hold [singing] [music] No grave could hold [singing] him. him. him. He is [music] alive.

Oh, Oh, praise [music] God will never I surren I surren to all. I'd be [music] lost if it wasn't to all. I'd be [music] lost if it wasn't to all. I'd be [music] lost if it wasn't for us. [music] for us. [music] for us. [music] What kind of love? What kind of love? What kind of love? Oh, Oh, Oh, what kind [music] of love is this? what kind [music] of love is this? what kind [music] of love is this? Oh, Oh, Oh, praise [music] that will never praise [music] that will never praise [music] that will never end. I'm singing [singing] end. I'm singing [singing] end. I'm singing [singing] hallelujah. I surrender I surrender [music] all. I'd be lost [music] all. I'd be lost [music] all. I'd be lost if it wasn't for the cross. [music] if it wasn't for the cross. [music] if it wasn't for the cross. [music] Yes, I'd [singing] be lost if it wasn't Yes, I'd [singing] be lost if it wasn't Yes, I'd [singing] be lost if it wasn't for the cross. for the cross. for the cross. [music] Could this be true?

Could this be true? What if this love What if this love What if this love [music] was always [music] was always [music] was always for you? Yes, Lord. Thank you, Jesus. We clap our Yes, Lord. Thank you, Jesus. We clap our hands. We lift our voices. We raise our hands. We lift our voices. We raise our hands. We lift our voices. We raise our hands because you're worthy. Because we hands because you're worthy. Because we hands because you're worthy. Because we believe the gospel is true. Let us believe the gospel is true. Let us believe the gospel is true. Let us consider our doubts today. [music] Thank consider our doubts today. [music] Thank consider our doubts today. [music] Thank you for being a God that enters into you for being a God that enters into you for being a God that enters into those doubts with us. Help us to know those doubts with us. Help us to know those doubts with us. Help us to know and believe and understand how wide and and believe and understand how wide and and believe and understand how wide and how deep the love of Jesus is for us. how deep the love of Jesus is for us. how deep the love of Jesus is for us. Given to us by God the Father only by Given to us by God the Father only by Given to us by God the Father only by the power of his holy spirit. [music] the power of his holy spirit. [music] the power of his holy spirit. [music] Thank you for the gift of faith. God, Thank you for the gift of faith. God, Thank you for the gift of faith. God, thank you Jesus. In your name we pray. thank you Jesus. In your name we pray. thank you Jesus. In your name we pray. Amen. You guys can have a seat. [music] Amen. You guys can have a seat. [music] Amen. You guys can have a seat. [music] Thanks for singing.

So, my family, this is a little bit of a So, my family, this is a little bit of a happy sad morning for us. Uh because happy sad morning for us. Uh because happy sad morning for us. Uh because this morning we're going to be this morning we're going to be this morning we're going to be commissioning a team to plant Oasis commissioning a team to plant Oasis commissioning a team to plant Oasis Church in Charlotte under Pastor Rich Church in Charlotte under Pastor Rich Church in Charlotte under Pastor Rich and Carrie Bowman here behind me and and Carrie Bowman here behind me and and Carrie Bowman here behind me and their incredible team. They've assembled their incredible team. They've assembled their incredible team. They've assembled to plan in Charlotte, to plan in Charlotte, to plan in Charlotte, [applause] [applause] [applause] which uh which uh which uh I don't know, Rich, I feel like this I don't know, Rich, I feel like this I don't know, Rich, I feel like this team has grown with every service. Have team has grown with every service. Have team has grown with every service. Have you been recruiting like between the you been recruiting like between the you been recruiting like between the services for more people? That is what I services for more people? That is what I services for more people? That is what I sent you here to do. But um listen, most sent you here to do. But um listen, most sent you here to do. But um listen, most of these that are up here on stage have of these that are up here on stage have of these that are up here on stage have already moved to Charlotte. Um they're already moved to Charlotte. Um they're already moved to Charlotte. Um they're already living there, building already living there, building already living there, building relationships, sharing the gospel, relationships, sharing the gospel, relationships, sharing the gospel, seeing people come to faith in Christ. seeing people come to faith in Christ. seeing people come to faith in Christ. Um for us this marks our it's about Um for us this marks our it's about Um for us this marks our it's about 2150th 2150th 2150th [music] 2150th member that we've sent [music] 2150th member that we've sent [music] 2150th member that we've sent out from our church to plant our 119th out from our church to plant our 119th out from our church to plant our 119th domestic US-based church plant. Uh so domestic US-based church plant. Uh so domestic US-based church plant. Uh so it's a good moment for us. [applause] Now you guys realize this uh planting is Now you guys realize this uh planting is a very very painful process that a very very painful process that a very very painful process that involves us sending um our best like the involves us sending um our best like the involves us sending um our best like the ones you see here in the stage. But let ones you see here in the stage. But let ones you see here in the stage. But let me just give you a little insight into me just give you a little insight into me just give you a little insight into behind the scenes up here. What you're behind the scenes up here. What you're behind the scenes up here. What you're actually seeing up here is the latest actually seeing up here is the latest actually seeing up here is the latest link in a chain of multiplication. You link in a chain of multiplication. You link in a chain of multiplication. You see, 5 years ago, Pastor Rich became our see, 5 years ago, Pastor Rich became our see, 5 years ago, Pastor Rich became our downtown Durham campus pastor. Hello, downtown Durham campus pastor. Hello, downtown Durham campus pastor. Hello, downtown Durham. Because Peter Park, who downtown Durham. Because Peter Park, who downtown Durham. Because Peter Park, who had been the campus pastor there for had been the campus pastor there for had been the campus pastor there for several years before that, left downtown several years before that, left downtown several years before that, left downtown Durham to go plant a church in Southeast Durham to go plant a church in Southeast Durham to go plant a church in Southeast Asia. Well, now Rich is planting five

Asia. Well, now Rich is planting five Asia. Well, now Rich is planting five years later and the downtown Durham years later and the downtown Durham years later and the downtown Durham campus is still there, of course, and campus is still there, of course, and campus is still there, of course, and it's under Pastor Rick's leadership. Um, it's under Pastor Rick's leadership. Um, it's under Pastor Rick's leadership. Um, also get this. Last week, Peter Park in also get this. Last week, Peter Park in also get this. Last week, Peter Park in Southeast Asia planted their first Southeast Asia planted their first Southeast Asia planted their first church. So, the downtown Durham campus church. So, the downtown Durham campus church. So, the downtown Durham campus is now four things. It's two churches in is now four things. It's two churches in is now four things. It's two churches in Southeast Asia, its Oasis Church in Southeast Asia, its Oasis Church in Southeast Asia, its Oasis Church in Charlotte, and of course, it remains as Charlotte, and of course, it remains as Charlotte, and of course, it remains as a downtown Durham campus. And all total a downtown Durham campus. And all total a downtown Durham campus. And all total more than a thousand people will be more than a thousand people will be more than a thousand people will be worshiping this fall at one of those worshiping this fall at one of those worshiping this fall at one of those places because of downtown Durham places because of downtown Durham places because of downtown Durham campus's multiplication. Ain't that campus's multiplication. Ain't that campus's multiplication. Ain't that great? So everybody look at your neighbor and So everybody look at your neighbor and say, "What's wrong with our campus? How say, "What's wrong with our campus? How say, "What's wrong with our campus? How come we're not doing that?" No. Most of come we're not doing that?" No. Most of come we're not doing that?" No. Most of the campuses of the Summit Church are the campuses of the Summit Church are the campuses of the Summit Church are doing the same thing. Um and so Summit doing the same thing. Um and so Summit doing the same thing. Um and so Summit Church, listen, we feel this tension. Church, listen, we feel this tension. Church, listen, we feel this tension. This is hard. I look up here in a moment This is hard. I look up here in a moment This is hard. I look up here in a moment like this, y'all, and I think maybe this like this, y'all, and I think maybe this like this, y'all, and I think maybe this planting thing is not such a good idea. planting thing is not such a good idea. planting thing is not such a good idea. Uh, and I say that because I mean, Uh, and I say that because I mean, Uh, and I say that because I mean, Pastor Rich, and I say this with uh, all Pastor Rich, and I say this with uh, all Pastor Rich, and I say this with uh, all sincerity. He is one of the best pastors sincerity. He is one of the best pastors sincerity. He is one of the best pastors that we've ever had here at Summit that we've ever had here at Summit that we've ever had here at Summit Church. Uh, you know, I think I've told Church. Uh, you know, I think I've told Church. Uh, you know, I think I've told you this before, but in case you haven't you this before, but in case you haven't you this before, but in case you haven't put this together, the kind of people put this together, the kind of people put this together, the kind of people that volunteer to go on church plants that volunteer to go on church plants that volunteer to go on church plants are never the kind you want to leave.

are never the kind you want to leave. are never the kind you want to leave. There's a handful of people here I would There's a handful of people here I would There's a handful of people here I would love to send out on a church plant, but love to send out on a church plant, but love to send out on a church plant, but they never volunteer. It's always people they never volunteer. It's always people they never volunteer. It's always people like the ones behind me that are leading like the ones behind me that are leading like the ones behind me that are leading ministries and are just making a huge ministries and are just making a huge ministries and are just making a huge impact. Um but what we realize is that impact. Um but what we realize is that impact. Um but what we realize is that um we a recent survey showed us that for um we a recent survey showed us that for um we a recent survey showed us that for every one member that we have sent out every one member that we have sent out every one member that we have sent out from our congregation, there are 40 new from our congregation, there are 40 new from our congregation, there are 40 new people worshiping in the kingdom. You people worshiping in the kingdom. You people worshiping in the kingdom. You show me a business that's got a 40 to1 show me a business that's got a 40 to1 show me a business that's got a 40 to1 return and I'll show you a business that return and I'll show you a business that return and I'll show you a business that you need to to hold on [music] to. So you need to to hold on [music] to. So you need to to hold on [music] to. So this is painful, but it's all for the this is painful, but it's all for the this is painful, but it's all for the sake of the gospel and we do it so that sake of the gospel and we do it so that sake of the gospel and we do it so that people can see and come to know Jesus people can see and come to know Jesus people can see and come to know Jesus [music] in places like Charlotte. Uh, so [music] in places like Charlotte. Uh, so [music] in places like Charlotte. Uh, so in just a minute I'm going to pray over in just a minute I'm going to pray over in just a minute I'm going to pray over this team, but let me just ask Rich, do this team, but let me just ask Rich, do this team, but let me just ask Rich, do you have a mic somewhere? Oh, look at you have a mic somewhere? Oh, look at you have a mic somewhere? Oh, look at that. Would you share, give us like get that. Would you share, give us like get that. Would you share, give us like get 30 seconds, give us a couple things that 30 seconds, give us a couple things that 30 seconds, give us a couple things that we can pray for specifically? we can pray for specifically? we can pray for specifically? >> Yeah, absolutely. Um, so we launched >> Yeah, absolutely. Um, so we launched >> Yeah, absolutely. Um, so we launched September 13th and we are believing God September 13th and we are believing God September 13th and we are believing God for 400 people to show up on launch day. for 400 people to show up on launch day. for 400 people to show up on launch day. [music] Uh, we don't want that Sunday uh [music] Uh, we don't want that Sunday uh [music] Uh, we don't want that Sunday uh Yeah, clap for that. It's a it's a God Yeah, clap for that. It's a it's a God Yeah, clap for that. It's a it's a God move.

move. move. >> That's their way of saying they agree >> That's their way of saying they agree >> That's their way of saying they agree with that. You're going to get that. with that. You're going to get that. with that. You're going to get that. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Um we don't want that Sunday to be a Um we don't want that Sunday to be a Um we don't want that Sunday to be a great presentation of song um or to just great presentation of song um or to just great presentation of song um or to just be a great proclamation of the gospel. be a great proclamation of the gospel. be a great proclamation of the gospel. Uh we want to see transformation of Uh we want to see transformation of Uh we want to see transformation of lives. [music] And so would you pray lives. [music] And so would you pray lives. [music] And so would you pray that God would do that? Secondly, uh we that God would do that? Secondly, uh we that God would do that? Secondly, uh we have a temporary spot that we're going have a temporary spot that we're going have a temporary spot that we're going to be meeting in. Um but we are in to be meeting in. Um but we are in to be meeting in. Um but we are in conversation right now with a local conversation right now with a local conversation right now with a local school um that will present a long-term school um that will present a long-term school um that will present a long-term opportunity for us to have a place to opportunity for us to have a place to opportunity for us to have a place to meet. And so pray that the Lord would meet. And so pray that the Lord would meet. And so pray that the Lord would open that door and we will be gathering open that door and we will be gathering open that door and we will be gathering there [music] um on the first Sunday in there [music] um on the first Sunday in there [music] um on the first Sunday in January 2027. So, we're praying for 400 January 2027. So, we're praying for 400 January 2027. So, we're praying for 400 people on launch Sunday and we're people on launch Sunday and we're people on launch Sunday and we're praying for a school or something like praying for a school or something like praying for a school or something like that to work out as a location. That's that to work out as a location. That's that to work out as a location. That's it. it. it. >> All right. That's it. Hey, somebody. Can >> All right. That's it. Hey, somebody. Can >> All right. That's it. Hey, somebody. Can we do what we always do in a moment like we do what we always do in a moment like we do what we always do in a moment like this? In a moment, I'm going to ask you this? In a moment, I'm going to ask you this? In a moment, I'm going to ask you to stretch out your hand because that is to stretch out your hand because that is to stretch out your hand because that is symbolic of the fact that we as a church symbolic of the fact that we as a church symbolic of the fact that we as a church are laying our hands on them and are laying our hands on them and are laying our hands on them and extending the blessing that God has extending the blessing that God has extending the blessing that God has given to us unto them as they multiply given to us unto them as they multiply given to us unto them as they multiply into Charlotte. Okay, stretch out your into Charlotte. Okay, stretch out your into Charlotte. Okay, stretch out your hand and let me voice our prayer on uh hand and let me voice our prayer on uh hand and let me voice our prayer on uh on your behalf.

Father, the verse in my heart that I was Father, the verse in my heart that I was thinking this morning is that the thinking this morning is that the thinking this morning is that the harvest truly is plenteous, but the harvest truly is plenteous, but the harvest truly is plenteous, but the labors are few. And we are praying that labors are few. And we are praying that labors are few. And we are praying that you would send this launch team into you would send this launch team into you would send this launch team into Charlotte as a Charlotte as a Charlotte as a answer to that prayer of you raising up answer to that prayer of you raising up answer to that prayer of you raising up laborers. God, send them to the lost. laborers. God, send them to the lost. laborers. God, send them to the lost. Send them to the broken, the confused, Send them to the broken, the confused, Send them to the broken, the confused, the addicted. God, those that are held the addicted. God, those that are held the addicted. God, those that are held captive. And God, send them as your captive. And God, send them as your captive. And God, send them as your emissaries. I pray that you would open emissaries. I pray that you would open emissaries. I pray that you would open up a door for them that nobody could up a door for them that nobody could up a door for them that nobody could shut and that God they would experience shut and that God they would experience shut and that God they would experience just awakening and revival. Give them an just awakening and revival. Give them an just awakening and revival. Give them an awakening on the student level, college awakening on the student level, college awakening on the student level, college student level. God, let there be student level. God, let there be student level. God, let there be something from them that multiplies out something from them that multiplies out something from them that multiplies out of Oasis, God, into Charlotte and into of Oasis, God, into Charlotte and into of Oasis, God, into Charlotte and into all of the world. God, we are asking all of the world. God, we are asking all of the world. God, we are asking together right now. We're asking for 400 together right now. We're asking for 400 together right now. We're asking for 400 people on launch Sunday, September 13th. people on launch Sunday, September 13th. people on launch Sunday, September 13th. And God, we are asking that you provide And God, we are asking that you provide And God, we are asking that you provide even something better than the school. even something better than the school. even something better than the school. Something that God would would would be Something that God would would would be Something that God would would would be a ministry opportunity where they could a ministry opportunity where they could a ministry opportunity where they could make an incredible impact. Of course, we make an incredible impact. Of course, we make an incredible impact. Of course, we always say not our will but yours. But always say not our will but yours. But always say not our will but yours. But we're asking these things because we we're asking these things because we we're asking these things because we believe you can do anything. And we believe you can do anything. And we believe you can do anything. And we believe that you told us to ask us, ask believe that you told us to ask us, ask believe that you told us to ask us, ask you in your name so that our joy can be you in your name so that our joy can be you in your name so that our joy can be full. And we're asking that, Jesus, give full. And we're asking that, Jesus, give full. And we're asking that, Jesus, give us this we pray and even more. We pray us this we pray and even more. We pray us this we pray and even more. We pray this in Jesus name. If you agree with this in Jesus name. If you agree with this in Jesus name. If you agree with that summer family, would you say amen?

that summer family, would you say amen? that summer family, would you say amen? >> Amen. Amen. Put your hands together and >> Amen. Amen. Put your hands together and >> Amen. Amen. Put your hands together and show them you love them. The fountain of youth, the lost city of The fountain of youth, the lost city of gold, the genie's [music] lamp. gold, the genie's [music] lamp. gold, the genie's [music] lamp. Throughout history, people have searched Throughout history, people have searched Throughout history, people have searched for something to transform their for something to transform their for something to transform their everyday lives into something [music] everyday lives into something [music] everyday lives into something [music] spectacular. spectacular. spectacular. Not many of us today are traveling the Not many of us today are traveling the Not many of us today are traveling the world looking for a literal fountain of world looking for a literal fountain of world looking for a literal fountain of youth. But we're still all searching. We youth. But we're still all searching. We youth. But we're still all searching. We sense deep down [music] that there's got sense deep down [music] that there's got sense deep down [music] that there's got to be more to life than what we're to be more to life than what we're to be more to life than what we're living. We feel in our bones that even living. We feel in our bones that even living. We feel in our bones that even though [music] it's elusive, the good though [music] it's elusive, the good though [music] it's elusive, the good life is out there. Centuries ago, an old life is out there. Centuries ago, an old life is out there. Centuries ago, an old man with scars on his back sitting alone man with scars on his back sitting alone man with scars on his back sitting alone in a prison cell claimed to have finally in a prison cell claimed to have finally in a prison cell claimed to have finally found it. The secret to the [music] good found it. The secret to the [music] good found it. The secret to the [music] good life. And lucky for us, he wrote it down life. And lucky for us, he wrote it down life. And lucky for us, he wrote it down in a letter to his friends and to us. in a letter to his friends and to us. in a letter to his friends and to us. That letter is the book of Philippians.

That letter is the book of Philippians. That letter is the book of Philippians. [music] Well, summit uh family, on a personal Well, summit uh family, on a personal level, I would love to ask all of you to level, I would love to ask all of you to level, I would love to ask all of you to pray for me at student camp this coming pray for me at student camp this coming pray for me at student camp this coming week. Uh I will be joining nearly a week. Uh I will be joining nearly a week. Uh I will be joining nearly a thousand of our high school students and thousand of our high school students and thousand of our high school students and volunteer leaders uh for two weeks of volunteer leaders uh for two weeks of volunteer leaders uh for two weeks of high school student camp uh which high school student camp uh which high school student camp uh which started this morning. They all left on a started this morning. They all left on a started this morning. They all left on a bus this morning. I'll be joining them bus this morning. I'll be joining them bus this morning. I'll be joining them later. Um I don't even need to tell you later. Um I don't even need to tell you later. Um I don't even need to tell you what to pray for. I feel like you just what to pray for. I feel like you just what to pray for. I feel like you just instinctively know, don't you? Uh instinctively know, don't you? Uh instinctively know, don't you? Uh seriously, if you'll pray for the seriously, if you'll pray for the seriously, if you'll pray for the speakers, uh that'll be me, Pastor speakers, uh that'll be me, Pastor speakers, uh that'll be me, Pastor Julius, um uh Pastor Curtis, uh will be Julius, um uh Pastor Curtis, uh will be Julius, um uh Pastor Curtis, uh will be doing most of the speaking. Most of all, doing most of the speaking. Most of all, doing most of the speaking. Most of all, pray for the leaders and the counselors pray for the leaders and the counselors pray for the leaders and the counselors in uh the high school cabins because in uh the high school cabins because in uh the high school cabins because they do most of the heavy lifting and they do most of the heavy lifting and they do most of the heavy lifting and honestly it's where most of the life honestly it's where most of the life honestly it's where most of the life change happens. Um Colossians 2:6 and 7 change happens. Um Colossians 2:6 and 7 change happens. Um Colossians 2:6 and 7 is our theme verse for the the week is our theme verse for the the week is our theme verse for the the week there. Uh you can jot that down and pray there. Uh you can jot that down and pray there. Uh you can jot that down and pray through it. It's uh you as you have through it. It's uh you as you have through it. It's uh you as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord. So walk received Christ Jesus the Lord. So walk received Christ Jesus the Lord. So walk in him being rooted and grounded in your in him being rooted and grounded in your in him being rooted and grounded in your faith established and that you may faith established and that you may faith established and that you may abound um in thanksgiving and in glory abound um in thanksgiving and in glory abound um in thanksgiving and in glory to God. So that'll be the what we'll be to God. So that'll be the what we'll be to God. So that'll be the what we'll be preaching through each night. And so do preaching through each night. And so do preaching through each night. And so do that. get you one of these little that. get you one of these little that. get you one of these little bracelets and uh and pray every week bracelets and uh and pray every week bracelets and uh and pray every week that God will send an awakening to our that God will send an awakening to our that God will send an awakening to our students that will not just transform students that will not just transform students that will not just transform their high schools but transform our their high schools but transform our their high schools but transform our church and this whole community. God is church and this whole community. God is church and this whole community. God is doing something in this next generation.

doing something in this next generation. doing something in this next generation. And uh we really want to lean into it. And uh we really want to lean into it. And uh we really want to lean into it. So anyway, that would be my personal So anyway, that would be my personal So anyway, that would be my personal request to you. Now, if you have your request to you. Now, if you have your request to you. Now, if you have your Bibles, and I certainly hope that you Bibles, and I certainly hope that you Bibles, and I certainly hope that you do, want you to take them out and open do, want you to take them out and open do, want you to take them out and open them to Philippians chapter 4. them to Philippians chapter 4. them to Philippians chapter 4. Philippians 4. And we could all stand Philippians 4. And we could all stand Philippians 4. And we could all stand together for the reading of God's word. together for the reading of God's word. together for the reading of God's word. You listen as I read the first 10 or so You listen as I read the first 10 or so You listen as I read the first 10 or so verses beginning in verse two. verses beginning in verse two. verses beginning in verse two. I entreat I entreat I entreat and I entreat sanctity and I entreat sanctity and I entreat sanctity to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women also, true companion, help these women also, true companion, help these women who have labored side by side with me in who have labored side by side with me in who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the the gospel together with Clement and the the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names rest of my fellow workers whose names rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the are in the book of life. Rejoice in the are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I will say, Lord always. And again I will say, Lord always. And again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonleness be known rejoice. Let your reasonleness be known rejoice. Let your reasonleness be known to everyone because the Lord is at hand. to everyone because the Lord is at hand. to everyone because the Lord is at hand. Do not be anxious about anything, but in Do not be anxious about anything, but in Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication everything by prayer and supplication everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be with thanksgiving, let your requests be with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God made known to God. And the peace of God made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will which passes all understanding will which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in guard your hearts and your minds in guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is whatever is lovely, whatever is whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there's any excellence, commendable, if there's any excellence, commendable, if there's any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, if there is anything worthy of praise, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have think about these things. What you have think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen learned and received and heard and seen learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the in me, practice these things, and the in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. And then God of peace will be with you. And then God of peace will be with you. And then let me borrow really quickly from next

let me borrow really quickly from next let me borrow really quickly from next week's passage, verse 11. I have week's passage, verse 11. I have week's passage, verse 11. I have learned, you see, in whatever situation learned, you see, in whatever situation learned, you see, in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be I am to be content. I know how to be I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound in brought low, and I know how to abound in brought low, and I know how to abound in any and every circumstance. I have any and every circumstance. I have any and every circumstance. I have learned the secret of facing plenty and learned the secret of facing plenty and learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all hunger, abundance and need. I can do all hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens things through Christ who strengthens things through Christ who strengthens me. This is the word of God for the me. This is the word of God for the me. This is the word of God for the people of God. people of God. people of God. >> Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. You may be seated. When was the last time you felt When was the last time you felt happy? happy? happy? That was the name of an article I read That was the name of an article I read That was the name of an article I read this week written by a woman recovering this week written by a woman recovering this week written by a woman recovering from depression. She said this was the from depression. She said this was the from depression. She said this was the question that her therapist posed to her question that her therapist posed to her question that her therapist posed to her toward the end of her counseling toward the end of her counseling toward the end of her counseling sessions after she assumed that she had sessions after she assumed that she had sessions after she assumed that she had fully recovered from depression. I was fully recovered from depression. I was fully recovered from depression. I was thrown by the question, she said. I sat thrown by the question, she said. I sat thrown by the question, she said. I sat on her couch and mentally began to troll on her couch and mentally began to troll on her couch and mentally began to troll through 30 years of memories through 30 years of memories through 30 years of memories to try to find the point where I last to try to find the point where I last to try to find the point where I last felt that serene, felt that serene, felt that serene, stable, elusive positivity that we call stable, elusive positivity that we call stable, elusive positivity that we call happiness.

Oh no. Oh no. I thought, don't make me Oh no. Oh no. I thought, don't make me say it. But finally, I had to. I can't say it. But finally, I had to. I can't say it. But finally, I had to. I can't remember the last time I felt happy. And remember the last time I felt happy. And remember the last time I felt happy. And suddenly she said, "My claim that I was suddenly she said, "My claim that I was suddenly she said, "My claim that I was on the road to recovery sounded utterly on the road to recovery sounded utterly on the road to recovery sounded utterly foolish." I cried and she passed me a foolish." I cried and she passed me a foolish." I cried and she passed me a little box of tissues. And then she little box of tissues. And then she little box of tissues. And then she wrote something down. The writer said wrote something down. The writer said wrote something down. The writer said this realization hit her harder than her this realization hit her harder than her this realization hit her harder than her original diagnosis of depression had. original diagnosis of depression had. original diagnosis of depression had. You see, her life at this point after You see, her life at this point after You see, her life at this point after all these counseling sessions, her life all these counseling sessions, her life all these counseling sessions, her life was going fine. She was functioning, was going fine. She was functioning, was going fine. She was functioning, paying the bills, going to work, showing paying the bills, going to work, showing paying the bills, going to work, showing up for her friends, laughing at all the up for her friends, laughing at all the up for her friends, laughing at all the right moments. From the outside, life right moments. From the outside, life right moments. From the outside, life looked normal, but she still could not looked normal, but she still could not looked normal, but she still could not remember the last time she felt happy. remember the last time she felt happy. remember the last time she felt happy. I've had similar conversations with so I've had similar conversations with so I've had similar conversations with so many people, some right here in our many people, some right here in our many people, some right here in our church over the years. In fact, if I church over the years. In fact, if I church over the years. In fact, if I stopped the message right now and I made stopped the message right now and I made stopped the message right now and I made my way back to you and I looked you in my way back to you and I looked you in my way back to you and I looked you in the face and asked you, "When was the the face and asked you, "When was the the face and asked you, "When was the last time you were genuinely happy?"

last time you were genuinely happy?" last time you were genuinely happy?" How quickly would an answer come to your How quickly would an answer come to your How quickly would an answer come to your mind? And maybe the answer would come mind? And maybe the answer would come mind? And maybe the answer would come easily. If so, praise God. But every one easily. If so, praise God. But every one easily. If so, praise God. But every one of us knows the difficulty of trying to of us knows the difficulty of trying to of us knows the difficulty of trying to find and hold on to happiness. It's like find and hold on to happiness. It's like find and hold on to happiness. It's like as we get older, life seems to become a as we get older, life seems to become a as we get older, life seems to become a cycle of identifying some new thing that cycle of identifying some new thing that cycle of identifying some new thing that we think will give us that serene state we think will give us that serene state we think will give us that serene state of euphoria, an achievement, a new of euphoria, an achievement, a new of euphoria, an achievement, a new relationship, a new possession, a new relationship, a new possession, a new relationship, a new possession, a new status that you acquire. And when you status that you acquire. And when you status that you acquire. And when you acquire it, it gives you a little bump acquire it, it gives you a little bump acquire it, it gives you a little bump for a little while, but soon enough you for a little while, but soon enough you for a little while, but soon enough you return to your baseline level of return to your baseline level of return to your baseline level of unhappiness. Psychologists even have a unhappiness. Psychologists even have a unhappiness. Psychologists even have a term for this. They call it the hedonic term for this. They call it the hedonic term for this. They call it the hedonic treadmill. treadmill. treadmill. You got a baseline level of happiness or You got a baseline level of happiness or You got a baseline level of happiness or unhappiness and you tread along there, unhappiness and you tread along there, unhappiness and you tread along there, right? This is just normal life. It's right? This is just normal life. It's right? This is just normal life. It's just what you're like. And then you just what you're like. And then you just what you're like. And then you finally get that thing you've been finally get that thing you've been finally get that thing you've been craving for for so long. The long- craving for for so long. The long- craving for for so long. The long- aaited promotion, the marriage, kids, aaited promotion, the marriage, kids, aaited promotion, the marriage, kids, kids out of the house, your son gets kids out of the house, your son gets kids out of the house, your son gets married, and there's a temporary married, and there's a temporary married, and there's a temporary euphoria and the treadmill speeds up.

euphoria and the treadmill speeds up. euphoria and the treadmill speeds up. and you're a little bit happier, but and you're a little bit happier, but and you're a little bit happier, but pretty soon you return to that same pretty soon you return to that same pretty soon you return to that same baseline level of happiness or baseline level of happiness or baseline level of happiness or unhappiness that you started with. In unhappiness that you started with. In unhappiness that you started with. In fact, there was an absolutely fact, there was an absolutely fact, there was an absolutely fascinating study that psychologists did fascinating study that psychologists did fascinating study that psychologists did a few years ago that compared lottery a few years ago that compared lottery a few years ago that compared lottery winners with people who had experienced winners with people who had experienced winners with people who had experienced catastrophic injuries. Of course, the catastrophic injuries. Of course, the catastrophic injuries. Of course, the lottery winners had a surge of happiness lottery winners had a surge of happiness lottery winners had a surge of happiness and those with uh catastrophic and those with uh catastrophic and those with uh catastrophic life-changing injuries had a surge of life-changing injuries had a surge of life-changing injuries had a surge of sadness. But get this. After time sadness. But get this. After time sadness. But get this. After time passed, both groups drifted back passed, both groups drifted back passed, both groups drifted back surprisingly close to the baseline level surprisingly close to the baseline level surprisingly close to the baseline level they started at. Are you happy? they started at. Are you happy? they started at. Are you happy? Studies suggest this is a problem only Studies suggest this is a problem only Studies suggest this is a problem only getting worse in our society. Despite getting worse in our society. Despite getting worse in our society. Despite all the books and all the podcasts all the books and all the podcasts all the books and all the podcasts devoted to the good life, things aren't devoted to the good life, things aren't devoted to the good life, things aren't getting better. They're getting worse. getting better. They're getting worse. getting better. They're getting worse. In the last 10 years, the United States In the last 10 years, the United States In the last 10 years, the United States has fallen from 11th to 24th on the has fallen from 11th to 24th on the has fallen from 11th to 24th on the World Happiness Index. And this has World Happiness Index. And this has World Happiness Index. And this has mostly been driven by Gen Z. How many mostly been driven by Gen Z. How many mostly been driven by Gen Z. How many Gen Zers we got out there? Raise your Gen Zers we got out there? Raise your Gen Zers we got out there? Raise your hand. We love you, but y'all are hand. We love you, but y'all are hand. We love you, but y'all are depressed.

depressed. depressed. The rate of young adults who classify The rate of young adults who classify The rate of young adults who classify themselves as perennially unhappy has themselves as perennially unhappy has themselves as perennially unhappy has doubled since 2017. doubled since 2017. doubled since 2017. Y'all, I think all this makes Paul's Y'all, I think all this makes Paul's Y'all, I think all this makes Paul's statement in Philippians 4 so utterly statement in Philippians 4 so utterly statement in Philippians 4 so utterly jolting to us. Verse 11, I've learned, jolting to us. Verse 11, I've learned, jolting to us. Verse 11, I've learned, Paul said, in whatever situation I am. Paul said, in whatever situation I am. Paul said, in whatever situation I am. I've learned to be content. Or in this I've learned to be content. Or in this I've learned to be content. Or in this context, you could read those words as, context, you could read those words as, context, you could read those words as, I've learned how to be happy. In this I've learned how to be happy. In this I've learned how to be happy. In this context, Paul would use happy and context, Paul would use happy and context, Paul would use happy and content interchangeably. Verse 12, Paul content interchangeably. Verse 12, Paul content interchangeably. Verse 12, Paul says, "When I'm brought low, brought low says, "When I'm brought low, brought low says, "When I'm brought low, brought low through bad health, strained through bad health, strained through bad health, strained relationships, you didn't get the relationships, you didn't get the relationships, you didn't get the promotion." Or for Paul, you ended up in promotion." Or for Paul, you ended up in promotion." Or for Paul, you ended up in a prison cell, abandoned by your a prison cell, abandoned by your a prison cell, abandoned by your friends. Paul said, "Even there, I can friends. Paul said, "Even there, I can friends. Paul said, "Even there, I can be happy. And when I abound, be happy. And when I abound, be happy. And when I abound, that is when everybody's singing my that is when everybody's singing my that is when everybody's singing my praises, the money is pouring in, and praises, the money is pouring in, and praises, the money is pouring in, and all I can do is win win no matter what." all I can do is win win no matter what." all I can do is win win no matter what." Yeah, I can be content there, too. Yeah, I can be content there, too. Yeah, I can be content there, too. Studies show that in 21st century Studies show that in 21st century Studies show that in 21st century America, we don't even know how to hold America, we don't even know how to hold America, we don't even know how to hold on to happiness in the abounding stage.

on to happiness in the abounding stage. on to happiness in the abounding stage. And Paul says he can be happy even when And Paul says he can be happy even when And Paul says he can be happy even when he's in the non-abounding stage. he's in the non-abounding stage. he's in the non-abounding stage. Paul's hedonic treadmill runs at Paul's hedonic treadmill runs at Paul's hedonic treadmill runs at happiness. happiness. happiness. How? That's the question, right? I want How? That's the question, right? I want How? That's the question, right? I want you to notice back in verse four that you to notice back in verse four that you to notice back in verse four that this claim that he makes about himself this claim that he makes about himself this claim that he makes about himself that he can be happy and joyful in all that he can be happy and joyful in all that he can be happy and joyful in all circumstances. In verse four, he turns circumstances. In verse four, he turns circumstances. In verse four, he turns that into a command for you and for me. that into a command for you and for me. that into a command for you and for me. Verse four, rejoice in the Lord always. Verse four, rejoice in the Lord always. Verse four, rejoice in the Lord always. And again, I'll say it for you guys in And again, I'll say it for you guys in And again, I'll say it for you guys in the back that didn't hear it. Rejoice. the back that didn't hear it. Rejoice. the back that didn't hear it. Rejoice. The same kind of happiness that Paul The same kind of happiness that Paul The same kind of happiness that Paul had, you and I can have, too. So, let me had, you and I can have, too. So, let me had, you and I can have, too. So, let me just ask an obvious question. Some of just ask an obvious question. Some of just ask an obvious question. Some of you have already been asking it. Was you have already been asking it. Was you have already been asking it. Was Paul just one of those annoying, Paul just one of those annoying, Paul just one of those annoying, unrealistically optimistic people? unrealistically optimistic people? unrealistically optimistic people? Always finding the bright side. Always Always finding the bright side. Always Always finding the bright side. Always putting a positive spin on everything. putting a positive spin on everything. putting a positive spin on everything. Was this what Paul's prison cell would Was this what Paul's prison cell would Was this what Paul's prison cell would have look like if we could have glass have look like if we could have glass have look like if we could have glass back in there? Live lives. # blessed. back in there? Live lives. # blessed. back in there? Live lives. # blessed. You know, is this is this Some of you You know, is this is this Some of you You know, is this is this Some of you saw this coming. Okay. Is this Paul? Is saw this coming. Okay. Is this Paul? Is saw this coming. Okay. Is this Paul? Is this Paul? Listen, some of you won't this Paul? Listen, some of you won't this Paul? Listen, some of you won't like this, but I say this as a committed like this, but I say this as a committed like this, but I say this as a committed optimist. My wife would say a often optimist. My wife would say a often optimist. My wife would say a often annoying optimist. Psychologists have annoying optimist. Psychologists have annoying optimist. Psychologists have studied optimists for decades studied optimists for decades studied optimists for decades and they have concluded that optimistic and they have concluded that optimistic and they have concluded that optimistic people are, and I quote, in general, people are, and I quote, in general, people are, and I quote, in general, less accurate in their perception of less accurate in their perception of less accurate in their perception of reality. They overestimate their chances reality. They overestimate their chances reality. They overestimate their chances of success. That's my entire life story.

of success. That's my entire life story. of success. That's my entire life story. They underestimate the risk and they They underestimate the risk and they They underestimate the risk and they remember the past is better than it was. remember the past is better than it was. remember the past is better than it was. Listen y'all, that's the world I live Listen y'all, that's the world I live Listen y'all, that's the world I live in. I'm happy to be here. You keep your in. I'm happy to be here. You keep your in. I'm happy to be here. You keep your dark cloud out of it. Okay? But was that dark cloud out of it. Okay? But was that dark cloud out of it. Okay? But was that all that Paul was? Was he just a cheery all that Paul was? Was he just a cheery all that Paul was? Was he just a cheery chipper optimist? chipper optimist? chipper optimist? I don't think so. I mean, Paul seems to I don't think so. I mean, Paul seems to I don't think so. I mean, Paul seems to be really cleareyed about his pain. Paul be really cleareyed about his pain. Paul be really cleareyed about his pain. Paul knew intimately tears of bereiement and knew intimately tears of bereiement and knew intimately tears of bereiement and abandonment and disappointment. And abandonment and disappointment. And abandonment and disappointment. And there's nothing in here that talks about there's nothing in here that talks about there's nothing in here that talks about expectations of a sunny tomorrow. Not expectations of a sunny tomorrow. Not expectations of a sunny tomorrow. Not one word. In fact, y'all, it's the one word. In fact, y'all, it's the one word. In fact, y'all, it's the overthe-topness overthe-topness overthe-topness of Paul's words that stand out, right? of Paul's words that stand out, right? of Paul's words that stand out, right? Verse four, rejoice in the Lord always. Verse four, rejoice in the Lord always. Verse four, rejoice in the Lord always. Not sometimes, not most of the time. Not sometimes, not most of the time. Not sometimes, not most of the time. Always. every second. Verse five, let Always. every second. Verse five, let Always. every second. Verse five, let your reasonableness or your gentleness, your reasonableness or your gentleness, your reasonableness or your gentleness, your easygoing nature, we'll talk more your easygoing nature, we'll talk more your easygoing nature, we'll talk more about this word in a minute, let it be about this word in a minute, let it be about this word in a minute, let it be known to everybody everywhere at all known to everybody everywhere at all known to everybody everywhere at all times. Verse six, do not be anxious times. Verse six, do not be anxious times. Verse six, do not be anxious about anything. There's nothing in your about anything. There's nothing in your about anything. There's nothing in your life that should cause you anxiety. I'll life that should cause you anxiety. I'll life that should cause you anxiety. I'll be honest, just reading that makes me be honest, just reading that makes me be honest, just reading that makes me uncomfortable uncomfortable uncomfortable because I know the kind of pain that because I know the kind of pain that because I know the kind of pain that some of you are carrying right now.

some of you are carrying right now. some of you are carrying right now. And the thought of just kind of bouncing And the thought of just kind of bouncing And the thought of just kind of bouncing into your hospital room to tell you this into your hospital room to tell you this into your hospital room to tell you this or by a graveside or by a graveside or by a graveside or on the other side of a terrible or on the other side of a terrible or on the other side of a terrible divorce or in the middle of a divorce divorce or in the middle of a divorce divorce or in the middle of a divorce and just to come up and be like, "It's and just to come up and be like, "It's and just to come up and be like, "It's okay. Don't worry, be happy. Hakuna okay. Don't worry, be happy. Hakuna okay. Don't worry, be happy. Hakuna matada or whatever. matada or whatever. matada or whatever. Either Paul is hopelessly, delusionally Either Paul is hopelessly, delusionally Either Paul is hopelessly, delusionally out of touch with reality out of touch with reality out of touch with reality or Paul has figured out something we or Paul has figured out something we or Paul has figured out something we haven't. haven't. haven't. He calls it the secret." He calls it the secret." He calls it the secret." That's what I want to show you. I want That's what I want to show you. I want That's what I want to show you. I want you to notice back in verse 11, Paul you to notice back in verse 11, Paul you to notice back in verse 11, Paul says, "This secret is something he has says, "This secret is something he has says, "This secret is something he has learned. learned. learned. I have learned in whatever state I am to I have learned in whatever state I am to I have learned in whatever state I am to be content." Happiness was not a feature be content." Happiness was not a feature be content." Happiness was not a feature of Paul's personality. It is something of Paul's personality. It is something of Paul's personality. It is something he learned. And the good news in that is he learned. And the good news in that is he learned. And the good news in that is that means it's something you can learn, that means it's something you can learn, that means it's something you can learn, too. And so, y'all, this passage maybe too. And so, y'all, this passage maybe too. And so, y'all, this passage maybe more than any other in the book of more than any other in the book of more than any other in the book of Philippians gives us the secret. That is Philippians gives us the secret. That is Philippians gives us the secret. That is the word that Paul uses. It's where the the word that Paul uses. It's where the the word that Paul uses. It's where the title of this series came from. He gives title of this series came from. He gives title of this series came from. He gives us the secret to the good life. My us the secret to the good life. My us the secret to the good life. My friend Kyle Idleman, another pastor up friend Kyle Idleman, another pastor up friend Kyle Idleman, another pastor up in Kentucky, says Paul in this passage in Kentucky, says Paul in this passage in Kentucky, says Paul in this passage identifies a handful of joy thieves. And identifies a handful of joy thieves. And identifies a handful of joy thieves. And the key to joy is knowing how to get rid the key to joy is knowing how to get rid the key to joy is knowing how to get rid of these things. I'm going to use a of these things. I'm going to use a of these things. I'm going to use a couple that Kyle had in this passage. I couple that Kyle had in this passage. I couple that Kyle had in this passage. I might add a couple of my own to the list might add a couple of my own to the list might add a couple of my own to the list and give you four joy thieves that if and give you four joy thieves that if and give you four joy thieves that if you can overcome these, this is the you can overcome these, this is the you can overcome these, this is the secret secret secret to the joy, the happiness that I brought to the joy, the happiness that I brought to the joy, the happiness that I brought this up at the beginning. Here we are.

this up at the beginning. Here we are. this up at the beginning. Here we are. The first and biggest The first and biggest The first and biggest joy thief in your life, Paul says, is joy thief in your life, Paul says, is joy thief in your life, Paul says, is amnesia. amnesia. amnesia. Amnesia. Verse five, let your Amnesia. Verse five, let your Amnesia. Verse five, let your reasonleness be known to everyone. The reasonleness be known to everyone. The reasonleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand. Now, let's first press Lord is at hand. Now, let's first press Lord is at hand. Now, let's first press into what exactly Paul's saying here into what exactly Paul's saying here into what exactly Paul's saying here because the wording can be confusing. because the wording can be confusing. because the wording can be confusing. You see, the word that we translate as You see, the word that we translate as You see, the word that we translate as reasonleness is a hard word to translate reasonleness is a hard word to translate reasonleness is a hard word to translate from Greek. The Greek word is epiicase. from Greek. The Greek word is epiicase. from Greek. The Greek word is epiicase. It's a very important Greek word. In It's a very important Greek word. In It's a very important Greek word. In fact, say it with me. FBI case, fact, say it with me. FBI case, fact, say it with me. FBI case, >> not yippi cay. Okay, that's a different >> not yippi cay. Okay, that's a different >> not yippi cay. Okay, that's a different word. FBI case. And it just doesn't have word. FBI case. And it just doesn't have word. FBI case. And it just doesn't have a good English equivalent. So, it gets a good English equivalent. So, it gets a good English equivalent. So, it gets translated a bunch of different ways. If translated a bunch of different ways. If translated a bunch of different ways. If you have the ESV version of the Bible, you have the ESV version of the Bible, you have the ESV version of the Bible, which I'm using, that says reasonleness. which I'm using, that says reasonleness. which I'm using, that says reasonleness. The NIV says gentleness. The CSV says The NIV says gentleness. The CSV says The NIV says gentleness. The CSV says graciousness. The New King James Version graciousness. The New King James Version graciousness. The New King James Version says moderation. Some translations say a says moderation. Some translations say a says moderation. Some translations say a mild spirit. My personal favorite is a mild spirit. My personal favorite is a mild spirit. My personal favorite is a radical evenness of temper. Scholars say radical evenness of temper. Scholars say radical evenness of temper. Scholars say the word almost carries the connotation the word almost carries the connotation the word almost carries the connotation of being laidback. Paul's basically of being laidback. Paul's basically of being laidback. Paul's basically telling people to chill out and not be telling people to chill out and not be telling people to chill out and not be so uptight. Of course, it's always so uptight. Of course, it's always so uptight. Of course, it's always helpful to understand the context into helpful to understand the context into helpful to understand the context into which Paul is speaking. And in this which Paul is speaking. And in this which Paul is speaking. And in this case, Paul tells you. He opens the case, Paul tells you. He opens the case, Paul tells you. He opens the chapter addressing two women in the chapter addressing two women in the chapter addressing two women in the church who weren't getting along. Uodia church who weren't getting along. Uodia church who weren't getting along. Uodia and Sintiki, or as I like to call them, and Sintiki, or as I like to call them, and Sintiki, or as I like to call them, Odius and Stinky, because quite frankly, Odius and Stinky, because quite frankly, Odius and Stinky, because quite frankly, their attitude stunk. By the way, if I their attitude stunk. By the way, if I their attitude stunk. By the way, if I could just point out something really could just point out something really could just point out something really quickly.

quickly. quickly. It's significant to me that Paul takes It's significant to me that Paul takes It's significant to me that Paul takes time to address these women. He doesn't time to address these women. He doesn't time to address these women. He doesn't say, "Well, that's just the women. say, "Well, that's just the women. say, "Well, that's just the women. They're not getting along." No, he knows They're not getting along." No, he knows They're not getting along." No, he knows how vitally important their ministry is how vitally important their ministry is how vitally important their ministry is to the health of the church. They are to the health of the church. They are to the health of the church. They are personal friends of his. They are fellow personal friends of his. They are fellow personal friends of his. They are fellow laborers with him in the gospel. That's laborers with him in the gospel. That's laborers with him in the gospel. That's what he calls them. And their health in what he calls them. And their health in what he calls them. And their health in this church, he knows, is vitally this church, he knows, is vitally this church, he knows, is vitally important to the future of that church. important to the future of that church. important to the future of that church. Paul knows that for the church in Paul knows that for the church in Paul knows that for the church in Philippi to thrive, they need these Philippi to thrive, they need these Philippi to thrive, they need these female leaders to thrive, too. And I'll female leaders to thrive, too. And I'll female leaders to thrive, too. And I'll just say I feel the exact same way about just say I feel the exact same way about just say I feel the exact same way about female leaders in our church. There are female leaders in our church. There are female leaders in our church. There are so many women at our church who co-labor so many women at our church who co-labor so many women at our church who co-labor with me in the gospel. Their leadership with me in the gospel. Their leadership with me in the gospel. Their leadership here is invaluable. Some of them you here is invaluable. Some of them you here is invaluable. Some of them you know, many of them you don't. Dr. know, many of them you don't. Dr. know, many of them you don't. Dr. Christy Thornton who works on our Christy Thornton who works on our Christy Thornton who works on our disciplehip team. Future Dr. Janetta Oi disciplehip team. Future Dr. Janetta Oi disciplehip team. Future Dr. Janetta Oi who runs our creative team. Worship who runs our creative team. Worship who runs our creative team. Worship leaders like Molly Vidovich and Mia leaders like Molly Vidovich and Mia leaders like Molly Vidovich and Mia Lazar and Kawisha Walton. Student Lazar and Kawisha Walton. Student Lazar and Kawisha Walton. Student directors like Hannah Spragggins and directors like Hannah Spragggins and directors like Hannah Spragggins and Abby Johnson who left on a bus this Abby Johnson who left on a bus this Abby Johnson who left on a bus this morning. In fact, I even hesitate to morning. In fact, I even hesitate to morning. In fact, I even hesitate to mention some of their names because I mention some of their names because I mention some of their names because I know that for every one of them I know that for every one of them I know that for every one of them I mention, I'm going to leave out 10. But mention, I'm going to leave out 10. But mention, I'm going to leave out 10. But I thank God for all of them and so I thank God for all of them and so I thank God for all of them and so should you. And I want them to thrive, should you. And I want them to thrive, should you. And I want them to thrive, which is why Paul is writing this. Okay, which is why Paul is writing this. Okay, which is why Paul is writing this. Okay, let's go back now to Odius and Stinky, let's go back now to Odius and Stinky, let's go back now to Odius and Stinky, which again are just my temporary names which again are just my temporary names which again are just my temporary names for them until they get their stuff for them until they get their stuff for them until they get their stuff worked out. Paul never tells us what worked out. Paul never tells us what worked out. Paul never tells us what their beef was their beef was their beef was because his counsel to them goes deeper because his counsel to them goes deeper because his counsel to them goes deeper than their beef. He tells them whatever than their beef. He tells them whatever than their beef. He tells them whatever their beef is not to take themselves or their beef is not to take themselves or their beef is not to take themselves or winning this little battle or being winning this little battle or being winning this little battle or being vindicated so seriously. Instead, he vindicated so seriously. Instead, he vindicated so seriously. Instead, he says, "You should be gentle, mild, says, "You should be gentle, mild, says, "You should be gentle, mild, gracious, laidback, radically

gracious, laidback, radically gracious, laidback, radically eventempered." Why? He tells you because eventempered." Why? He tells you because eventempered." Why? He tells you because the Lord is at hand. He is returning the Lord is at hand. He is returning the Lord is at hand. He is returning soon. And when he comes, well, ladies, soon. And when he comes, well, ladies, soon. And when he comes, well, ladies, earthly vindication and this little earthly vindication and this little earthly vindication and this little squabble of yours is going to seem squabble of yours is going to seem squabble of yours is going to seem rather trivial. Am I right? Now, hear rather trivial. Am I right? Now, hear rather trivial. Am I right? Now, hear me. Paul is not saying they should not me. Paul is not saying they should not me. Paul is not saying they should not explain their case. Paul is not saying explain their case. Paul is not saying explain their case. Paul is not saying that justice doesn't matter. He's just that justice doesn't matter. He's just that justice doesn't matter. He's just saying that if in the end things don't saying that if in the end things don't saying that if in the end things don't go your way, you shouldn't act like it's go your way, you shouldn't act like it's go your way, you shouldn't act like it's the end of the world because literally the end of the world because literally the end of the world because literally it's not. it's not. it's not. Earthly vindication is rather trivial in Earthly vindication is rather trivial in Earthly vindication is rather trivial in light of eternity. The Lord is at hand. light of eternity. The Lord is at hand. light of eternity. The Lord is at hand. I uh I lost my phone this past weekend. I uh I lost my phone this past weekend. I uh I lost my phone this past weekend. I was standing on the back of a skiboat I was standing on the back of a skiboat I was standing on the back of a skiboat [snorts] trying to throw the rope to [snorts] trying to throw the rope to [snorts] trying to throw the rope to somebody in the water and I had my phone somebody in the water and I had my phone somebody in the water and I had my phone in this hand and the ski rope in my in this hand and the ski rope in my in this hand and the ski rope in my right hand because I was also of course right hand because I was also of course right hand because I was also of course trying to control the music. And in the trying to control the music. And in the trying to control the music. And in the process of throwing the ski robe, I clip process of throwing the ski robe, I clip process of throwing the ski robe, I clip my phone and I watched as if in slow my phone and I watched as if in slow my phone and I watched as if in slow motion I watched it go spinning through motion I watched it go spinning through motion I watched it go spinning through the air like no, you know, as it goes in the air like no, you know, as it goes in the air like no, you know, as it goes in and it plot right in the water. And of and it plot right in the water. And of and it plot right in the water. And of course, it's got my license and all my course, it's got my license and all my course, it's got my license and all my credit cards attached to it. And I see credit cards attached to it. And I see credit cards attached to it. And I see it slowly sinking down, disappearing it slowly sinking down, disappearing it slowly sinking down, disappearing into the water like Leonardo DiCaprio in into the water like Leonardo DiCaprio in into the water like Leonardo DiCaprio in the North Atlantic after Rose wouldn't the North Atlantic after Rose wouldn't the North Atlantic after Rose wouldn't share her door with him. Okay. So, I share her door with him. Okay. So, I share her door with him. Okay. So, I said to the guy in the water that I was said to the guy in the water that I was said to the guy in the water that I was trying to throw the ski robe to, right, trying to throw the ski robe to, right, trying to throw the ski robe to, right, my phone, my phone. I'm pointing at it my phone, my phone. I'm pointing at it my phone, my phone. I'm pointing at it cuz he's literally right there and he cuz he's literally right there and he cuz he's literally right there and he could have just reached out and grabbed could have just reached out and grabbed could have just reached out and grabbed it, but he could not understand what I it, but he could not understand what I it, but he could not understand what I was trying to say to him. And by the was trying to say to him. And by the was trying to say to him. And by the time I realized he couldn't understand

time I realized he couldn't understand time I realized he couldn't understand me, I'd wasted those precious few me, I'd wasted those precious few me, I'd wasted those precious few seconds that the phone was still seconds that the phone was still seconds that the phone was still visible. And so, at this point, the visible. And so, at this point, the visible. And so, at this point, the phone was gone. So, I immediately look phone was gone. So, I immediately look phone was gone. So, I immediately look over the depth finder on the boat over the depth finder on the boat over the depth finder on the boat because there are some places at Lake because there are some places at Lake because there are some places at Lake Gaston where it's only like 10 to 15 ft Gaston where it's only like 10 to 15 ft Gaston where it's only like 10 to 15 ft deep. And I thought, cuz at this point deep. And I thought, cuz at this point deep. And I thought, cuz at this point it's still controlling the music on the it's still controlling the music on the it's still controlling the music on the boat. And I thought I thought, well, boat. And I thought I thought, well, boat. And I thought I thought, well, maybe if I get somebody to text me, the maybe if I get somebody to text me, the maybe if I get somebody to text me, the light will come on. I can see where it light will come on. I can see where it light will come on. I can see where it is and I can dive down and get it, but is and I can dive down and get it, but is and I can dive down and get it, but the depth finder said 61 ft. And so I the depth finder said 61 ft. And so I the depth finder said 61 ft. And so I knew that was a little beyond even my knew that was a little beyond even my knew that was a little beyond even my range. Okay, so now that's annoying, range. Okay, so now that's annoying, range. Okay, so now that's annoying, right? Phones are expensive to replace. right? Phones are expensive to replace. right? Phones are expensive to replace. But let's just say that just before But let's just say that just before But let's just say that just before going out skiing, I had found that a going out skiing, I had found that a going out skiing, I had found that a rich uncle I never even knew I had had rich uncle I never even knew I had had rich uncle I never even knew I had had left me $10 billion of inheritance. left me $10 billion of inheritance. left me $10 billion of inheritance. But when I dropped my phone, you're out But when I dropped my phone, you're out But when I dropped my phone, you're out there on the boat with me. I start there on the boat with me. I start there on the boat with me. I start losing my mind about how this is going losing my mind about how this is going losing my mind about how this is going to cost me several hundred. And I start to cost me several hundred. And I start to cost me several hundred. And I start yelling at the guy in the water saying, yelling at the guy in the water saying, yelling at the guy in the water saying, "Why couldn't you just grab my phone? "Why couldn't you just grab my phone? "Why couldn't you just grab my phone? You idiot. I was telling you what to You idiot. I was telling you what to You idiot. I was telling you what to do." You would probably look at me do." You would probably look at me do." You would probably look at me eventually and say, "Bro, chill out.

eventually and say, "Bro, chill out. eventually and say, "Bro, chill out. Don't take this so seriously. A few Don't take this so seriously. A few Don't take this so seriously. A few hundred dollar, you got 10 billion hundred dollar, you got 10 billion hundred dollar, you got 10 billion waiting on you back at the dot. Act like waiting on you back at the dot. Act like waiting on you back at the dot. Act like it. FBI case. it. FBI case. it. FBI case. Paul's saying something very similar Paul's saying something very similar Paul's saying something very similar here. It's not that your pain or your here. It's not that your pain or your here. It's not that your pain or your inconvenience. It's not that they're not inconvenience. It's not that they're not inconvenience. It's not that they're not real. It's just that the Lord is at real. It's just that the Lord is at real. It's just that the Lord is at hand. So, you got slighted. Big deal. hand. So, you got slighted. Big deal. hand. So, you got slighted. Big deal. The ultimate judge is at the door. His The ultimate judge is at the door. His The ultimate judge is at the door. His approval is the only one that actually approval is the only one that actually approval is the only one that actually matters. So, you're missing out on some matters. So, you're missing out on some matters. So, you're missing out on some of life's pleasures. Big deal. The Lord of life's pleasures. Big deal. The Lord of life's pleasures. Big deal. The Lord of eternity is nearby, coming soon. and of eternity is nearby, coming soon. and of eternity is nearby, coming soon. and in his presence is the fullness of joy in his presence is the fullness of joy in his presence is the fullness of joy and at his right hand are pleasures and at his right hand are pleasures and at his right hand are pleasures forever more. But verse five, let your forever more. But verse five, let your forever more. But verse five, let your epi case, your laid-back, reasonable, epi case, your laid-back, reasonable, epi case, your laid-back, reasonable, gentle, moderate disposition, let it be gentle, moderate disposition, let it be gentle, moderate disposition, let it be known to everybody because that's known to everybody because that's known to everybody because that's probably the best testimony you could probably the best testimony you could probably the best testimony you could have. This verse means that you don't have. This verse means that you don't have. This verse means that you don't take anything on earth, positive or take anything on earth, positive or take anything on earth, positive or negative, that seriously negative, that seriously negative, that seriously because you know none of it's ultimate. because you know none of it's ultimate. because you know none of it's ultimate. Tim Keller says this verse means Tim Keller says this verse means Tim Keller says this verse means positively. When you get a raise at positively. When you get a raise at positively. When you get a raise at work, that's a good day, right? work, that's a good day, right? work, that's a good day, right? Everybody wants more money.

Everybody wants more money. Everybody wants more money. Okay, heart, don't get too excited about Okay, heart, don't get too excited about Okay, heart, don't get too excited about this. Don't be too excited about money this. Don't be too excited about money this. Don't be too excited about money because money is just temporary and you because money is just temporary and you because money is just temporary and you ought to be able to leave it. ought to be able to leave it. ought to be able to leave it. And when the money's not there, when you And when the money's not there, when you And when the money's not there, when you don't get the raise, you ought to be don't get the raise, you ought to be don't get the raise, you ought to be able to do without it. able to do without it. able to do without it. If you understand the grace of God, it If you understand the grace of God, it If you understand the grace of God, it makes the worst times bearable and the makes the worst times bearable and the makes the worst times bearable and the best timesable. In fact, before I move on, let me show In fact, before I move on, let me show you one other place you one other place you one other place that Paul applies this exact same that Paul applies this exact same that Paul applies this exact same concept because Paul applies it to an concept because Paul applies it to an concept because Paul applies it to an area that a lot of people in our day, area that a lot of people in our day, area that a lot of people in our day, the area most people blame for their the area most people blame for their the area most people blame for their unhappiness, unhappiness, unhappiness, their singleness their singleness their singleness or their unhappy marriage. or their unhappy marriage. or their unhappy marriage. 1 Corinthians 7, look at verse 29. 1 Corinthians 7, look at verse 29. 1 Corinthians 7, look at verse 29. This is what I mean, brothers. The This is what I mean, brothers. The This is what I mean, brothers. The appointed time is growing very short. In appointed time is growing very short. In appointed time is growing very short. In other words, the Lord is at hand. It's other words, the Lord is at hand. It's other words, the Lord is at hand. It's exactly what he said in Philippians 4.

exactly what he said in Philippians 4. exactly what he said in Philippians 4. So from now on, let those who have wives So from now on, let those who have wives So from now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none. And let live as though they had none. And let live as though they had none. And let those who mourn as though they weren't those who mourn as though they weren't those who mourn as though they weren't mourning, and let those who rejoice as mourning, and let those who rejoice as mourning, and let those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing. though they were not rejoicing. though they were not rejoicing. He gives a couple other categories and He gives a couple other categories and He gives a couple other categories and he ends the whole thing by saying, "For he ends the whole thing by saying, "For he ends the whole thing by saying, "For the present state of this world is the present state of this world is the present state of this world is passing away. passing away. passing away. Let those who have wives live as though Let those who have wives live as though Let those who have wives live as though they had none." That sounds like they had none." That sounds like they had none." That sounds like terrible marriage advice. terrible marriage advice. terrible marriage advice. Like the theme verse of a bunch of Like the theme verse of a bunch of Like the theme verse of a bunch of deadbeat men headed off to Vegas for the deadbeat men headed off to Vegas for the deadbeat men headed off to Vegas for the weekend. weekend. weekend. What Paul means, however, listen. What Paul means, however, listen. What Paul means, however, listen. What Paul means is that whatever earthly What Paul means is that whatever earthly What Paul means is that whatever earthly marital situation you find yourself in, marital situation you find yourself in, marital situation you find yourself in, married, unmarried, unhappily married, married, unmarried, unhappily married, married, unmarried, unhappily married, mourning, not mourning, happy mourning, not mourning, happy mourning, not mourning, happy circumstances, unhappy circumstances, circumstances, unhappy circumstances, circumstances, unhappy circumstances, it's all light and momentary. it's all light and momentary. it's all light and momentary. The time is short. The Lord is at hand. The time is short. The Lord is at hand. The time is short. The Lord is at hand. Your pain, it's temporary. You're Your pain, it's temporary. You're Your pain, it's temporary. You're unhappily single, just temporary. You're unhappily single, just temporary. You're unhappily single, just temporary. You're stuck in an unfulfilling marriage, it's stuck in an unfulfilling marriage, it's stuck in an unfulfilling marriage, it's temporary.

Look, let's just face the facts. There Look, let's just face the facts. There are a lot of Christians who are in are a lot of Christians who are in are a lot of Christians who are in marital situations, maybe through no marital situations, maybe through no marital situations, maybe through no fault of their own, that are not ideal. fault of their own, that are not ideal. fault of their own, that are not ideal. They're widowed, they're divorced, or They're widowed, they're divorced, or They're widowed, they're divorced, or they just never found the right person. they just never found the right person. they just never found the right person. Or how about this? They actually did Or how about this? They actually did Or how about this? They actually did find the right person, and then they got find the right person, and then they got find the right person, and then they got married to that person, and that person married to that person, and that person married to that person, and that person changed. changed. changed. I've seen that happen in this church. I've seen that happen in this church. I've seen that happen in this church. You marry somebody and they're one You marry somebody and they're one You marry somebody and they're one person, but then they change. Maybe they person, but then they change. Maybe they person, but then they change. Maybe they quit following Jesus or they lose all quit following Jesus or they lose all quit following Jesus or they lose all interest in church and now you're stuck interest in church and now you're stuck interest in church and now you're stuck in a terribly unfulfilling marriage. I'm in a terribly unfulfilling marriage. I'm in a terribly unfulfilling marriage. I'm not trying to trivialize this. But Paul not trying to trivialize this. But Paul not trying to trivialize this. But Paul addresses that situation directly in 1 addresses that situation directly in 1 addresses that situation directly in 1 Corinthians 7 and says it's okay. Corinthians 7 and says it's okay. Corinthians 7 and says it's okay. Yeah, it kind of stinks. I get it. Just Yeah, it kind of stinks. I get it. Just Yeah, it kind of stinks. I get it. Just endure it and realize that none of these endure it and realize that none of these endure it and realize that none of these states carry on into eternity. None of states carry on into eternity. None of states carry on into eternity. None of them. They're all temporary. them. They're all temporary. them. They're all temporary. If you're physically healthy, it's If you're physically healthy, it's If you're physically healthy, it's temporary. If you're chronically sick, h temporary. If you're chronically sick, h temporary. If you're chronically sick, h it's temporary, too. If you're single it's temporary, too. If you're single it's temporary, too. If you're single and feel like the day to find the one and feel like the day to find the one and feel like the day to find the one has passed you by, don't despair. has passed you by, don't despair. has passed you by, don't despair. Everything in this life is light and Everything in this life is light and Everything in this life is light and momentary compared to eternity. Let your momentary compared to eternity. Let your momentary compared to eternity. Let your radical evenness of temper be known to radical evenness of temper be known to radical evenness of temper be known to all because the Lord is at hand. And for all because the Lord is at hand. And for all because the Lord is at hand. And for some of you, I can feel it. This sounds some of you, I can feel it. This sounds some of you, I can feel it. This sounds like crazy talk like crazy talk like crazy talk cuz you're like, "Well, the whole point cuz you're like, "Well, the whole point cuz you're like, "Well, the whole point is having a better life." That's the is having a better life." That's the is having a better life." That's the whole deal is we flurry. Yeah, I'm just whole deal is we flurry. Yeah, I'm just whole deal is we flurry. Yeah, I'm just telling you the Bible says the opposite.

telling you the Bible says the opposite. telling you the Bible says the opposite. Bible says your lack of understanding of Bible says your lack of understanding of Bible says your lack of understanding of what eternity is and the focus that you what eternity is and the focus that you what eternity is and the focus that you have on this life is one of the primary have on this life is one of the primary have on this life is one of the primary problems of destroying your faith and problems of destroying your faith and problems of destroying your faith and killing your testimony. This is one of killing your testimony. This is one of killing your testimony. This is one of the reasons I always tell you I really the reasons I always tell you I really the reasons I always tell you I really chafe at the idea of bucket list. That's chafe at the idea of bucket list. That's chafe at the idea of bucket list. That's not just a light that's not just a not just a light that's not just a not just a light that's not just a light-hearted jab for me. I mean there's light-hearted jab for me. I mean there's light-hearted jab for me. I mean there's nothing wrong, okay? There's nothing nothing wrong, okay? There's nothing nothing wrong, okay? There's nothing wrong with making a list of things you wrong with making a list of things you wrong with making a list of things you want to do as you get older. I'm not want to do as you get older. I'm not want to do as you get older. I'm not being all judgy judgy and super being all judgy judgy and super being all judgy judgy and super spiritual. I'm just saying the whole spiritual. I'm just saying the whole spiritual. I'm just saying the whole concept behind a true bucket list is concept behind a true bucket list is concept behind a true bucket list is that there's a bunch of joys that you that there's a bunch of joys that you that there's a bunch of joys that you can only experience right now on earth can only experience right now on earth can only experience right now on earth and you better experience them before and you better experience them before and you better experience them before you kick the bucket because otherwise you kick the bucket because otherwise you kick the bucket because otherwise you'll never have the chance to you'll never have the chance to you'll never have the chance to experience them again. And that can be experience them again. And that can be experience them again. And that can be kind of fun when we're talking about kind of fun when we're talking about kind of fun when we're talking about going skydiving in Hawaii. But then going skydiving in Hawaii. But then going skydiving in Hawaii. But then there are people in our church who there are people in our church who there are people in our church who despair about never getting married or despair about never getting married or despair about never getting married or never knowing the joy of having children never knowing the joy of having children never knowing the joy of having children or never walking again. or never walking again. or never walking again. And I'm telling you, they need to think And I'm telling you, they need to think And I'm telling you, they need to think the opposite of how we think in a bucket the opposite of how we think in a bucket the opposite of how we think in a bucket list. Everything down here, Paul says, list. Everything down here, Paul says, list. Everything down here, Paul says, is child's play compared to what God has is child's play compared to what God has is child's play compared to what God has for us next. And I don't want my silly for us next. And I don't want my silly for us next. And I don't want my silly talk about a bucket list to make the talk about a bucket list to make the talk about a bucket list to make the people who are truly in pain here people who are truly in pain here people who are truly in pain here despair that life has passed them by.

despair that life has passed them by. despair that life has passed them by. Whatever you miss out on or experience Whatever you miss out on or experience Whatever you miss out on or experience or fail to experience is not that or fail to experience is not that or fail to experience is not that significant because whatever you miss significant because whatever you miss significant because whatever you miss out on here is amply made up for and out on here is amply made up for and out on here is amply made up for and multiplied in the life to come. It's multiplied in the life to come. It's multiplied in the life to come. It's like we say it's not yolo. It's not you like we say it's not yolo. It's not you like we say it's not yolo. It's not you only live once. It's y. You actually only live once. It's y. You actually only live once. It's y. You actually live forever. So if you're going to get live forever. So if you're going to get live forever. So if you're going to get something tattooed to you, don't do this something tattooed to you, don't do this something tattooed to you, don't do this one. Do this one. Okay. one. Do this one. Okay. one. Do this one. Okay. The secret to happiness, Paul says, is The secret to happiness, Paul says, is The secret to happiness, Paul says, is realizing that nothing down here is realizing that nothing down here is realizing that nothing down here is ultimate and remembering that the Lord ultimate and remembering that the Lord ultimate and remembering that the Lord is at hand. Amnesia about the shortness is at hand. Amnesia about the shortness is at hand. Amnesia about the shortness of life and the coming of Jesus is our of life and the coming of Jesus is our of life and the coming of Jesus is our first joy thief. The second is very first joy thief. The second is very first joy thief. The second is very closely related. In fact, it's really closely related. In fact, it's really closely related. In fact, it's really just an application of the first. So, just an application of the first. So, just an application of the first. So, I'll make it pretty quick. Acrimony. I'll make it pretty quick. Acrimony. I'll make it pretty quick. Acrimony. Acrimony or bitterness over how Acrimony or bitterness over how Acrimony or bitterness over how something worked out. Remember Paul was something worked out. Remember Paul was something worked out. Remember Paul was addressing a specific situation addressing a specific situation addressing a specific situation involving two quarreling women, Yodia involving two quarreling women, Yodia involving two quarreling women, Yodia and Sctity. And Paul doesn't attempt to and Sctity. And Paul doesn't attempt to and Sctity. And Paul doesn't attempt to resolve their beef. He aims deeper than resolve their beef. He aims deeper than resolve their beef. He aims deeper than the problem. He says, "Hey, the Lord is the problem. He says, "Hey, the Lord is the problem. He says, "Hey, the Lord is at hand." And then watch this verse at hand." And then watch this verse at hand." And then watch this verse three. He says, "Hey, help these women three. He says, "Hey, help these women three. He says, "Hey, help these women whose names are in the book of life." He whose names are in the book of life." He whose names are in the book of life." He gently reminds them, "Hey ladies, your gently reminds them, "Hey ladies, your gently reminds them, "Hey ladies, your names are in the book of life. Jesus is names are in the book of life. Jesus is names are in the book of life. Jesus is for you. He's bringing you a kingdom for you. He's bringing you a kingdom for you. He's bringing you a kingdom beyond your wildest imaginations. So if beyond your wildest imaginations. So if beyond your wildest imaginations. So if you end up on the short side of justice, you end up on the short side of justice, you end up on the short side of justice, you end up on the wrong end of a gossip you end up on the wrong end of a gossip you end up on the wrong end of a gossip screen, you end up on the outside of a screen, you end up on the outside of a screen, you end up on the outside of a friend circle, he'll take care of that.

friend circle, he'll take care of that. friend circle, he'll take care of that. In light of that, stinky, the damage In light of that, stinky, the damage In light of that, stinky, the damage that Odius did to you is not that bad. that Odius did to you is not that bad. that Odius did to you is not that bad. One of the things that God has been One of the things that God has been One of the things that God has been really working on in my life personally really working on in my life personally really working on in my life personally is my need to be vindicated. is my need to be vindicated. is my need to be vindicated. I like to be in the right. There, I just I like to be in the right. There, I just I like to be in the right. There, I just said it. Okay? And I like other people said it. Okay? And I like other people said it. Okay? And I like other people to know that I'm in the right. I've told to know that I'm in the right. I've told to know that I'm in the right. I've told you I've lost arguments before. But then you I've lost arguments before. But then you I've lost arguments before. But then I immediately rerun that argument in my I immediately rerun that argument in my I immediately rerun that argument in my head and I win it. I'm like, "Oh, then head and I win it. I'm like, "Oh, then head and I win it. I'm like, "Oh, then he and then I would have said and then he and then I would have said and then he and then I would have said and then he would have fallen in shame." Right? I he would have fallen in shame." Right? I he would have fallen in shame." Right? I I I've I've lost lots of arguments in my I I've I've lost lots of arguments in my I I've I've lost lots of arguments in my life. I've never lost a rerun. Not one life. I've never lost a rerun. Not one life. I've never lost a rerun. Not one time. I win all of them. time. I win all of them. time. I win all of them. I think this need I think this need I think this need comes out of an insecurity about my comes out of an insecurity about my comes out of an insecurity about my reputation. I don't want people to think reputation. I don't want people to think reputation. I don't want people to think of me as smart and competent and right. of me as smart and competent and right. of me as smart and competent and right. And so I'm sensitive about narratives And so I'm sensitive about narratives And so I'm sensitive about narratives told about me in which I'm not presented told about me in which I'm not presented told about me in which I'm not presented in those ways. in those ways. in those ways. Sometimes joy of joys, I bring that need Sometimes joy of joys, I bring that need Sometimes joy of joys, I bring that need to be vindicated into my marriage. If my to be vindicated into my marriage. If my to be vindicated into my marriage. If my wife and I have an issue, even if she wife and I have an issue, even if she wife and I have an issue, even if she consents to go along with me on consents to go along with me on consents to go along with me on something, I really want her to something, I really want her to something, I really want her to acknowledge that I was right all along.

acknowledge that I was right all along. acknowledge that I was right all along. I'm right. My actions were reasonable. I'm right. My actions were reasonable. I'm right. My actions were reasonable. You're like, "Well, I feel sorry for You're like, "Well, I feel sorry for You're like, "Well, I feel sorry for Veronica." Yeah, I'm sure you're super Veronica." Yeah, I'm sure you're super Veronica." Yeah, I'm sure you're super easy to be married to also. Okay, so get easy to be married to also. Okay, so get easy to be married to also. Okay, so get over yourself. over yourself. over yourself. I've had to ask myself, what is this I've had to ask myself, what is this I've had to ask myself, what is this need of mine to always have earthly need of mine to always have earthly need of mine to always have earthly validation? validation? validation? Isn't it at its core? Isn't it an Isn't it at its core? Isn't it an Isn't it at its core? Isn't it an unbelief in a present God who is close unbelief in a present God who is close unbelief in a present God who is close at hand and in whom I have ultimate at hand and in whom I have ultimate at hand and in whom I have ultimate treasure? Doesn't my need to be treasure? Doesn't my need to be treasure? Doesn't my need to be vindicated by you show you that I either vindicated by you show you that I either vindicated by you show you that I either don't believe in God's ultimate don't believe in God's ultimate don't believe in God's ultimate vindication to me or that I just don't vindication to me or that I just don't vindication to me or that I just don't put that much weight on it? put that much weight on it? put that much weight on it? So what if a bunch of no account So what if a bunch of no account So what if a bunch of no account earthlings have a low opinion of me? No earthlings have a low opinion of me? No earthlings have a low opinion of me? No offense to you. The Lord is at hand. So offense to you. The Lord is at hand. So offense to you. The Lord is at hand. So what if this situation didn't work out what if this situation didn't work out what if this situation didn't work out for me? The wrong story got told. The for me? The wrong story got told. The for me? The wrong story got told. The wrong person got credit. The wrong wrong person got credit. The wrong wrong person got credit. The wrong person got rewarded. That's okay. The person got rewarded. That's okay. The person got rewarded. That's okay. The Lord is at hand. Sometimes God has to Lord is at hand. Sometimes God has to Lord is at hand. Sometimes God has to put an odious to your stinky to teach put an odious to your stinky to teach put an odious to your stinky to teach you this so that you'll say, "Hey, my you this so that you'll say, "Hey, my you this so that you'll say, "Hey, my name is written in the Lamb's book of name is written in the Lamb's book of name is written in the Lamb's book of life. He is for me. In him, I got the life. He is for me. In him, I got the life. He is for me. In him, I got the absolute approval of the only one whose absolute approval of the only one whose absolute approval of the only one whose opinion really matters. The judge of all opinion really matters. The judge of all opinion really matters. The judge of all the earth is on my side. What more do I the earth is on my side. What more do I the earth is on my side. What more do I really need here? The cure for really need here? The cure for really need here? The cure for bitterness, for acrimony, is embracing bitterness, for acrimony, is embracing bitterness, for acrimony, is embracing that an all- wise, allloving judge is that an all- wise, allloving judge is that an all- wise, allloving judge is close at hand. One who has written your close at hand. One who has written your close at hand. One who has written your name in his book and he spelled it name in his book and he spelled it name in his book and he spelled it right. And his list is the only list right. And his list is the only list right. And his list is the only list that actually matters. And he is working that actually matters. And he is working that actually matters. And he is working all things for your good. So, joy thief

all things for your good. So, joy thief all things for your good. So, joy thief number one is amnesia. Joy thief number number one is amnesia. Joy thief number number one is amnesia. Joy thief number two is acrimony. Joy thief number three, two is acrimony. Joy thief number three, two is acrimony. Joy thief number three, guess what? It starts with letter A, guess what? It starts with letter A, guess what? It starts with letter A, anxiety. anxiety. anxiety. Anxiety steals joy because it fills you Anxiety steals joy because it fills you Anxiety steals joy because it fills you with fear about a future that you can't with fear about a future that you can't with fear about a future that you can't control. You know, there is no way that control. You know, there is no way that control. You know, there is no way that you can know what might happen next. And you can know what might happen next. And you can know what might happen next. And there's so much you can't control. I there's so much you can't control. I there's so much you can't control. I have a friend who describes his battle have a friend who describes his battle have a friend who describes his battle with anxiety as a lowgrade hum that with anxiety as a lowgrade hum that with anxiety as a lowgrade hum that follows him wherever he goes. He says, follows him wherever he goes. He says, follows him wherever he goes. He says, 'N no matter what good is happening in 'N no matter what good is happening in 'N no matter what good is happening in my life, there's always a low-grade fear my life, there's always a low-grade fear my life, there's always a low-grade fear humming in the back of my head that the humming in the back of my head that the humming in the back of my head that the other shoe is about to drop. The phone's other shoe is about to drop. The phone's other shoe is about to drop. The phone's going to ring and it's going to bring going to ring and it's going to bring going to ring and it's going to bring bad news. Something's going to go wrong bad news. Something's going to go wrong bad news. Something's going to go wrong with one of the kids. There's bad news with one of the kids. There's bad news with one of the kids. There's bad news coming from work. I know when I go into coming from work. I know when I go into coming from work. I know when I go into work, there's going to be bad news. work, there's going to be bad news. work, there's going to be bad news. Anybody Anybody ever feel this way? Like Anybody Anybody ever feel this way? Like Anybody Anybody ever feel this way? Like things are good today, but I bet they're things are good today, but I bet they're things are good today, but I bet they're going to be bad tomorrow. going to be bad tomorrow. going to be bad tomorrow. Paul says verse 6, "Do not be anxious Paul says verse 6, "Do not be anxious Paul says verse 6, "Do not be anxious about about about anything." Yo, this verse encourages me anything." Yo, this verse encourages me anything." Yo, this verse encourages me and shames me all at the same time.

and shames me all at the same time. and shames me all at the same time. Don't be anxious about Don't be anxious about Don't be anxious about money things, material things, because money things, material things, because money things, material things, because they only have temporary value. But your they only have temporary value. But your they only have temporary value. But your kids are different now. Your kids are kids are different now. Your kids are kids are different now. Your kids are eternal. They have eternal val. Is that eternal. They have eternal val. Is that eternal. They have eternal val. Is that what you can worry about? Is that what what you can worry about? Is that what what you can worry about? Is that what it says? No. Don't be anxious about it says? No. Don't be anxious about it says? No. Don't be anxious about anything. [snorts] anything. [snorts] anything. [snorts] There is literally nothing in my life There is literally nothing in my life There is literally nothing in my life that should cause me anxiety. that should cause me anxiety. that should cause me anxiety. By the way, get your mind around the By the way, get your mind around the By the way, get your mind around the fact that it's Paul who is saying this. fact that it's Paul who is saying this. fact that it's Paul who is saying this. Paul who goes to sleep every night not Paul who goes to sleep every night not Paul who goes to sleep every night not knowing if he's going to get woken up in knowing if he's going to get woken up in knowing if he's going to get woken up in the middle of the night by a hooded the middle of the night by a hooded the middle of the night by a hooded execution or come and take him to be execution or come and take him to be execution or come and take him to be beheaded. How in the world are you beheaded. How in the world are you beheaded. How in the world are you supposed to get a good night's sleep if supposed to get a good night's sleep if supposed to get a good night's sleep if every night you go to bed not sure if every night you go to bed not sure if every night you go to bed not sure if the next face you're going to see is one the next face you're going to see is one the next face you're going to see is one under a hood who's taking you somewhere under a hood who's taking you somewhere under a hood who's taking you somewhere to chop off your head? I'm thinking to chop off your head? I'm thinking to chop off your head? I'm thinking that's going to mess up your aura ring that's going to mess up your aura ring that's going to mess up your aura ring score. Am I right? score. Am I right? score. Am I right? By the way, Apostle has also told us By the way, Apostle has also told us By the way, Apostle has also told us he's deeply concerned about false he's deeply concerned about false he's deeply concerned about false teachers who were infiltrating the teachers who were infiltrating the teachers who were infiltrating the churches he's planted, corrupting their churches he's planted, corrupting their churches he's planted, corrupting their doctrine, and turning them against him. doctrine, and turning them against him. doctrine, and turning them against him. And now Paul is in prison hundreds of And now Paul is in prison hundreds of And now Paul is in prison hundreds of miles away and can't do anything about miles away and can't do anything about miles away and can't do anything about that. That feels to me like a legitimate that. That feels to me like a legitimate that. That feels to me like a legitimate thing to be worried about.

thing to be worried about. thing to be worried about. And yet, this is the one saying, don't And yet, this is the one saying, don't And yet, this is the one saying, don't be anxious about anything. be anxious about anything. be anxious about anything. You know what my favorite aspect of this You know what my favorite aspect of this You know what my favorite aspect of this verse is? verse is? verse is? It'll surprise you. My favorite aspect It'll surprise you. My favorite aspect It'll surprise you. My favorite aspect of this verse is that it is a command. of this verse is that it is a command. of this verse is that it is a command. I'm literally commanded not to be I'm literally commanded not to be I'm literally commanded not to be anxious. This is not a reward. This is anxious. This is not a reward. This is anxious. This is not a reward. This is not some kind of achievement. This is a not some kind of achievement. This is a not some kind of achievement. This is a command. To be anxious about anything is command. To be anxious about anything is command. To be anxious about anything is to be disobedience. to be disobedience. to be disobedience. Here's why that's my favorite aspect of Here's why that's my favorite aspect of Here's why that's my favorite aspect of this verse. Follow me. this verse. Follow me. this verse. Follow me. The command only makes sense The command only makes sense The command only makes sense if it comes coupled with a promise that if it comes coupled with a promise that if it comes coupled with a promise that God will handle whatever it is that is God will handle whatever it is that is God will handle whatever it is that is making me anxious, right? Otherwise, the making me anxious, right? Otherwise, the making me anxious, right? Otherwise, the command would be cruel. I mean, think command would be cruel. I mean, think command would be cruel. I mean, think about it. If you and I are headed to about it. If you and I are headed to about it. If you and I are headed to [clears throat] lunch together, we're [clears throat] lunch together, we're [clears throat] lunch together, we're sitting in the car and you look over me sitting in the car and you look over me sitting in the car and you look over me and say, "Oh, no. I don't have my wallet and say, "Oh, no. I don't have my wallet and say, "Oh, no. I don't have my wallet on me." And I'm like, "Where is it?" And on me." And I'm like, "Where is it?" And on me." And I'm like, "Where is it?" And you say, "I lost it in the lake." and I you say, "I lost it in the lake." and I you say, "I lost it in the lake." and I say, "Oh, happens to the best of us."

say, "Oh, happens to the best of us." say, "Oh, happens to the best of us." Okay, don't worry about it. The only way Okay, don't worry about it. The only way Okay, don't worry about it. The only way that's not a cool joke is if I plan to that's not a cool joke is if I plan to that's not a cool joke is if I plan to pay for lunch, right? I mean, if the pay for lunch, right? I mean, if the pay for lunch, right? I mean, if the bill comes and I pay for my half and bill comes and I pay for my half and bill comes and I pay for my half and then I look at you and say, "Well, this then I look at you and say, "Well, this then I look at you and say, "Well, this is awkward for you. Guess you're going is awkward for you. Guess you're going is awkward for you. Guess you're going to have to work something out with the to have to work something out with the to have to work something out with the wait or stay and do dishes or something wait or stay and do dishes or something wait or stay and do dishes or something and you look at me and you say, "But you and you look at me and you say, "But you and you look at me and you say, "But you told me not to worry." And I say, "Oh, told me not to worry." And I say, "Oh, told me not to worry." And I say, "Oh, well, I didn't mean I was going to pay well, I didn't mean I was going to pay well, I didn't mean I was going to pay for things. I just wanted you to have a for things. I just wanted you to have a for things. I just wanted you to have a sense of peace and calm as we dined sense of peace and calm as we dined sense of peace and calm as we dined together." That would be a cruel joke. together." That would be a cruel joke. together." That would be a cruel joke. The only way it makes sense for God to The only way it makes sense for God to The only way it makes sense for God to say don't be anxious about anything is say don't be anxious about anything is say don't be anxious about anything is if he is thereby promising to handle if he is thereby promising to handle if he is thereby promising to handle anything that would make us anxious. anything that would make us anxious. anything that would make us anxious. So Paul said instead of being anxious in So Paul said instead of being anxious in So Paul said instead of being anxious in everything by prayer and supplication everything by prayer and supplication everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be with thanksgiving, let your requests be with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. The key words in that made known to God. The key words in that made known to God. The key words in that sentence are the words with sentence are the words with sentence are the words with thanksgiving. Thanking God is a way of thanksgiving. Thanking God is a way of thanksgiving. Thanking God is a way of expressing trust that God is going to expressing trust that God is going to expressing trust that God is going to handle it. You see, it is impossible, handle it. You see, it is impossible, handle it. You see, it is impossible, hear this, it is impossible to thank God hear this, it is impossible to thank God hear this, it is impossible to thank God for something if you are not confident for something if you are not confident for something if you are not confident he is also going to handle it. It is he is also going to handle it. It is he is also going to handle it. It is possible to pray and worry. It is not possible to pray and worry. It is not possible to pray and worry. It is not possible to think and worry.

possible to think and worry. possible to think and worry. See, I point this out because I used to See, I point this out because I used to See, I point this out because I used to have a real problem when I was praying. have a real problem when I was praying. have a real problem when I was praying. I would pray for stuff out of a sense of I would pray for stuff out of a sense of I would pray for stuff out of a sense of duty. Good Christians pray about their duty. Good Christians pray about their duty. Good Christians pray about their problems, problems, problems, but I wouldn't really put trust in God but I wouldn't really put trust in God but I wouldn't really put trust in God as I was praying. So, my prayer time was as I was praying. So, my prayer time was as I was praying. So, my prayer time was basically anxiety hour with Jesus, or as basically anxiety hour with Jesus, or as basically anxiety hour with Jesus, or as a friend of mine calls it, worrying in a friend of mine calls it, worrying in a friend of mine calls it, worrying in the direction of the ceiling. the direction of the ceiling. the direction of the ceiling. I would tell Jesus all about my I would tell Jesus all about my I would tell Jesus all about my problems, problems, problems, but I did not trust him with them. The but I did not trust him with them. The but I did not trust him with them. The kind of prayer Paul is talking about kind of prayer Paul is talking about kind of prayer Paul is talking about here does more than inform God about our here does more than inform God about our here does more than inform God about our problems. problems. problems. It lays our problems at Jesus feet and It lays our problems at Jesus feet and It lays our problems at Jesus feet and leaves them there. You thank him for the leaves them there. You thank him for the leaves them there. You thank him for the answer that you are confident that he answer that you are confident that he answer that you are confident that he will give. Let me make this super will give. Let me make this super will give. Let me make this super practical. Try this. When you pray, practical. Try this. When you pray, practical. Try this. When you pray, after telling Jesus what you're worried after telling Jesus what you're worried after telling Jesus what you're worried about, say this literally mean somebody about, say this literally mean somebody about, say this literally mean somebody pull out your phone and take a picture pull out your phone and take a picture pull out your phone and take a picture of this. I trust you with this. of this. I trust you with this. of this. I trust you with this. Thank you for how you've promised to Thank you for how you've promised to Thank you for how you've promised to respond. Listen, it is not praying about your Listen, it is not praying about your problems that removes anxiety. It is problems that removes anxiety. It is problems that removes anxiety. It is trusting God with your problems that trusting God with your problems that trusting God with your problems that removes anxiety.

removes anxiety. removes anxiety. I read this secular strategy for coping I read this secular strategy for coping I read this secular strategy for coping with anxiety. It was called the with anxiety. It was called the with anxiety. It was called the 15-minute strategy. You ever heard of 15-minute strategy. You ever heard of 15-minute strategy. You ever heard of this? Basically, what the strategy this? Basically, what the strategy this? Basically, what the strategy prescribes, and it's a pretty good prescribes, and it's a pretty good prescribes, and it's a pretty good strategy. Set aside a special 15minute strategy. Set aside a special 15minute strategy. Set aside a special 15minute block in the day during which you will block in the day during which you will block in the day during which you will allow yourself to worry about stuff. allow yourself to worry about stuff. allow yourself to worry about stuff. And then throughout the day when you And then throughout the day when you And then throughout the day when you feel anxiety coming on, say to yourself, feel anxiety coming on, say to yourself, feel anxiety coming on, say to yourself, I'm not going to worry about that right I'm not going to worry about that right I'm not going to worry about that right now, but I'm going to spend some focused now, but I'm going to spend some focused now, but I'm going to spend some focused time worrying about that issue later in time worrying about that issue later in time worrying about that issue later in your special 15-minute block. That way, your special 15-minute block. That way, your special 15-minute block. That way, they say anxiety doesn't wreck your day, they say anxiety doesn't wreck your day, they say anxiety doesn't wreck your day, but you're also not blowing off your but you're also not blowing off your but you're also not blowing off your problems either. It's a pretty good problems either. It's a pretty good problems either. It's a pretty good strategy. But here's the Christian strategy. But here's the Christian strategy. But here's the Christian version of it. Call that 15minute version of it. Call that 15minute version of it. Call that 15minute period. Call that your prayer time. For period. Call that your prayer time. For period. Call that your prayer time. For 15 minutes, worry out loud with Jesus 15 minutes, worry out loud with Jesus 15 minutes, worry out loud with Jesus about your problems. But then end that about your problems. But then end that about your problems. But then end that 15 minutes by saying, "And Jesus, I 15 minutes by saying, "And Jesus, I 15 minutes by saying, "And Jesus, I trust you with these things because you trust you with these things because you trust you with these things because you commanded me to cast these burdens onto commanded me to cast these burdens onto commanded me to cast these burdens onto you and you commanded me not to worry you and you commanded me not to worry you and you commanded me not to worry about them. So now I thank you for how about them. So now I thank you for how about them. So now I thank you for how you're going to handle them because it you're going to handle them because it you're going to handle them because it would have been cruel for you to tell me would have been cruel for you to tell me would have been cruel for you to tell me not to be anxious if you weren't also not to be anxious if you weren't also not to be anxious if you weren't also promising to handle it.

promising to handle it. promising to handle it. He wouldn't give you the command if it He wouldn't give you the command if it He wouldn't give you the command if it wasn't coupled with an unbreakable wasn't coupled with an unbreakable wasn't coupled with an unbreakable promise that he'll hand to whatever it promise that he'll hand to whatever it promise that he'll hand to whatever it is you're anxious about. I promise you. is you're anxious about. I promise you. is you're anxious about. I promise you. I promise you if you do this, it will I promise you if you do this, it will I promise you if you do this, it will make a huge difference in your life. make a huge difference in your life. make a huge difference in your life. Look at verse 7. Paul says this, "And Look at verse 7. Paul says this, "And Look at verse 7. Paul says this, "And the peace of God, if you do this, which the peace of God, if you do this, which the peace of God, if you do this, which surpasses all understanding will guard surpasses all understanding will guard surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ your hearts and your minds in Christ your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." That word guard is a military Jesus." That word guard is a military Jesus." That word guard is a military word and it's a really interesting word word and it's a really interesting word word and it's a really interesting word for Paul to use right there because when for Paul to use right there because when for Paul to use right there because when Paul was writing this literally chained Paul was writing this literally chained Paul was writing this literally chained to him there's a Roman guard standing to him there's a Roman guard standing to him there's a Roman guard standing over him ready to punish him if he over him ready to punish him if he over him ready to punish him if he stepped out of line. So Paul's trying to stepped out of line. So Paul's trying to stepped out of line. So Paul's trying to write this down, looks up at this one write this down, looks up at this one write this down, looks up at this one guard and then thinks bigger than that guard and then thinks bigger than that guard and then thinks bigger than that Roman guard is another guard, an all Roman guard is another guard, an all Roman guard is another guard, an all powerful savior committed to my good who powerful savior committed to my good who powerful savior committed to my good who says he will never leave or forsake me says he will never leave or forsake me says he will never leave or forsake me and that no weapon formed against me and that no weapon formed against me and that no weapon formed against me will prosper. And his chains are way will prosper. And his chains are way will prosper. And his chains are way bigger and more powerful than that Roman bigger and more powerful than that Roman bigger and more powerful than that Roman guard's chains are. So that big scary guard's chains are. So that big scary guard's chains are. So that big scary Roman guard can't do anything because of Roman guard can't do anything because of Roman guard can't do anything because of the even bigger, more powerful heavenly the even bigger, more powerful heavenly the even bigger, more powerful heavenly guard standing over him who is always on guard standing over him who is always on guard standing over him who is always on my side. my side. my side. Paul's like, "Look, I don't know if Paul's like, "Look, I don't know if Paul's like, "Look, I don't know if tomorrow I will get out of prison. I tomorrow I will get out of prison. I tomorrow I will get out of prison. I hope I I am I'm praying for that.

hope I I am I'm praying for that. hope I I am I'm praying for that. What I do know kind of a Y, kind of an What I do know kind of a Y, kind of an What I do know kind of a Y, kind of an A. You're algorithm. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely." Think about these things. Paul gives Think about these things. Paul gives some surprisingly precient advice way some surprisingly precient advice way some surprisingly precient advice way ahead of his time. ahead of his time. ahead of his time. The secret to inner joy, Paul said, how The secret to inner joy, Paul said, how The secret to inner joy, Paul said, how you think in a moment of anxiety is you think in a moment of anxiety is you think in a moment of anxiety is determined by patterns you lay down. And when you come to an a time of And when you come to an a time of anxiety and stress, medical scientists now know that when we medical scientists now know that when we repeatedly think a certain way, our repeatedly think a certain way, our repeatedly think a certain way, our brain literally hardwires itself to brain literally hardwires itself to brain literally hardwires itself to think that way. The nerve fibers think that way. The nerve fibers think that way. The nerve fibers responsible for a particular thought responsible for a particular thought responsible for a particular thought path through certain synapses. It's path through certain synapses. It's path through certain synapses. It's where muscle memory comes from. It makes where muscle memory comes from. It makes where muscle memory comes from. It makes those patterns of thinking automatic.

those patterns of thinking automatic. those patterns of thinking automatic. Think of it like a stream of water in Think of it like a stream of water in Think of it like a stream of water in The same thing is happening with your The same thing is happening with your The same thing is happening with your thoughts. Paul says a repeated pattern thoughts. Paul says a repeated pattern thoughts. Paul says a repeated pattern of thinking creates a mental rut wrapped of thinking creates a mental rut wrapped of thinking creates a mental rut wrapped in a very literal myelin that future in a very literal myelin that future in a very literal myelin that future thoughts naturally follow and was and he wrote this in a day before was and he wrote this in a day before social media dollar industry devoted to social media dollar industry devoted to social media dollar industry devoted to creating negative myelin ruts in your creating negative myelin ruts in your creating negative myelin ruts in your head. head. head. People who monetize social media People who monetize social media People who monetize social media platforms put negative things in front platforms put negative things in front platforms put negative things in front of us because they know we are more of us because they know we are more of us because they know we are more likely to click. Every time you click like, Every time you click like, it creates an algorithm for a digital it creates an algorithm for a digital it creates an algorithm for a digital pathway which in turn reinforces a pathway which in turn reinforces a pathway which in turn reinforces a neural pathway heavily upon you. neural pathway heavily upon you. neural pathway heavily upon you. Especially you parents with kids. You Especially you parents with kids. You Especially you parents with kids. You and I and our kids are being discipled and I and our kids are being discipled and I and our kids are being discipled several hours a day by algorithms that several hours a day by algorithms that several hours a day by algorithms that are the complete opposite of Philippians are the complete opposite of Philippians are the complete opposite of Philippians 4:8.

4:8. 4:8. Anxiety levels skyrocketed in 2012 when Anxiety levels skyrocketed in 2012 when Anxiety levels skyrocketed in 2012 when social media and smartphones became social media and smartphones became social media and smartphones became ubiquitous. ubiquitous. ubiquitous. It's like Pastor Kyle says, we scroll It's like Pastor Kyle says, we scroll It's like Pastor Kyle says, we scroll through 45 minutes of bad news, through 45 minutes of bad news, through 45 minutes of bad news, political arguments, and clips of political arguments, and clips of political arguments, and clips of strangers screaming at each other in the strangers screaming at each other in the strangers screaming at each other in the Costco parking lot. Then we close the Costco parking lot. Then we close the Costco parking lot. Then we close the app and later we think why do I feel so he says every day and then wondering why he says every day and then wondering why your stomach feels weird. your stomach feels weird. your stomach feels weird. You want to change your happiness You want to change your happiness You want to change your happiness quotient. You want to change your quotient. You want to change your quotient. You want to change your default speed on the hedonic train. Make your first thoughts every morning Make your first thoughts every morning Jesus's thoughts. Right? Read his word. Jesus's thoughts. Right? Read his word. Jesus's thoughts. Right? Read his word. Fill your mind. And if you can't develop that as a And if you can't develop that as a habit, throw your phone on your phone if habit, throw your phone on your phone if habit, throw your phone on your phone if you have one. It's a great way to get in you have one. It's a great way to get in you have one. It's a great way to get in the verses so they're always dancing the verses so they're always dancing the verses so they're always dancing about in your head. Change room, put about in your head. Change room, put about in your head. Change room, put them in your workplace, them in your workplace, them in your workplace, memorize an happiness quotient memorize an happiness quotient memorize an happiness quotient here in Philippians 4 is a defiant here in Philippians 4 is a defiant here in Philippians 4 is a defiant declaration in the face of pain. Kind of declaration in the face of pain. Kind of declaration in the face of pain. Kind of joy Paul commends here.

joy Paul commends here. joy Paul commends here. Doesn't pretend your pain isn't real. Doesn't pretend your pain isn't real. Doesn't pretend your pain isn't real. It declares your pain isn't final. It declares your pain isn't final. It declares your pain isn't final. Had been diagnosed with early onset Had been diagnosed with early onset Had been diagnosed with early onset dementia. One doctor's appointment dementia. One doctor's appointment dementia. One doctor's appointment upended everything. upended everything. upended everything. And she sat in front of me. She was And she sat in front of me. She was And she sat in front of me. She was grieving, scared, and angry. grieving, scared, and angry. grieving, scared, and angry. But underneath the grief was a defiant But underneath the grief was a defiant But underneath the grief was a defiant spirit of joy. Later, she texted me, spirit of joy. Later, she texted me, spirit of joy. Later, she texted me, "Pastor, I've decided something. I'm "Pastor, I've decided something. I'm "Pastor, I've decided something. I'm going to enjoy every day I have with going to enjoy every day I have with going to enjoy every day I have with him. Every single day. I'm not going to him. Every single day. I'm not going to him. Every single day. I'm not going to spend the time I have left dreading what spend the time I have left dreading what spend the time I have left dreading what is coming. I'm going to be present. I'm is coming. I'm going to be present. I'm is coming. I'm going to be present. I'm going to laugh with him while he can going to laugh with him while he can going to laugh with him while he can still laugh. I'm going to dance. still laugh. I'm going to dance. still laugh. I'm going to dance. See, she knows that because [music] of See, she knows that because [music] of See, she knows that because [music] of Jesus, dementia may be able to steal her Jesus, dementia may be able to steal her Jesus, dementia may be able to steal her husband's memory, but it cannot steal husband's memory, but it cannot steal husband's memory, but it cannot steal her joy. Her joy is a defiant her joy. Her joy is a defiant her joy. Her joy is a defiant declaration of pain. declaration of pain. declaration of pain. The secret to joy is that it's not found The secret to joy is that it's not found The secret to joy is that it's not found in your circumstances from you. in your circumstances from you. in your circumstances from you. Happiness comes and goes with your Happiness comes and goes with your Happiness comes and goes with your circumstances. But Jesus waiting room circumstances. But Jesus waiting room circumstances. But Jesus waiting room [music] [music] [music] or a lawyer's office or a lawyer's office or a lawyer's office or in an empty bedroom or in an empty bedroom or in an empty bedroom after a child is gone after a child is gone after a child is gone or in a cubicle where you feel or in a cubicle where you feel or in a cubicle where you feel overlooked and forgotten.

overlooked and forgotten. overlooked and forgotten. If that's fiant joy, joy not because If that's fiant joy, joy not because If that's fiant joy, joy not because your circumstances are good. your circumstances are good. your circumstances are good. Joy not because you think they'll be Joy not because you think they'll be Joy not because you think they'll be good tomorrow, but joy because your good tomorrow, but joy because your good tomorrow, but joy because your savior always is good every single day, savior always is good every single day, savior always is good every single day, every minute of every day. every minute of every day. every minute of every day. I want you to look your circumstances in I want you to look your circumstances in I want you to look your circumstances in the eye. This get the last word. My circumstances get the last word. My circumstances don't determine God's character. My don't determine God's character. My don't determine God's character. My diagnosis does not define my future. My diagnosis does not define my future. My diagnosis does not define my future. My marriage might be unraveling, but God's marriage might be unraveling, but God's marriage might be unraveling, but God's faithfulness is not. My anxiety is loud. faithfulness is not. My anxiety is loud. faithfulness is not. My anxiety is loud. Oh, but forever. My world may feel like it's forever. My world may feel like it's shaky, but my savior is solid. Yeah, shaky, but my savior is solid. Yeah, shaky, but my savior is solid. Yeah, there might be a Roman soldier inches there might be a Roman soldier inches there might be a Roman soldier inches away from you breathing out threats away from you breathing out threats away from you breathing out threats going to overturn it for good. Joy is going to overturn it for good. Joy is going to overturn it for good. Joy is not pretending everything is okay. Joy not pretending everything is okay. Joy not pretending everything is okay. Joy is knowing that even when every I can do is knowing that even when every I can do is knowing that even when every I can do all things through Christ who all things through Christ who all things through Christ who strengthens me. [music] strengthens me. [music] strengthens me. [music] So, I'm at church at all of our So, I'm at church at all of our So, I'm at church at all of our campuses. I want to invite campuses. I want to invite campuses. I want to invite our worship teams are coming.

our worship teams are coming. our worship teams are coming. We're going to sing a song together at We're going to sing a song together at We're going to sing a song together at all campuses declaring our hope in all campuses declaring our hope in all campuses declaring our hope in Jesus. We often do because I need I know Jesus. We often do because I need I know Jesus. We often do because I need I know that some of you need to come down here that some of you need to come down here that some of you need to come down here and you need to ask Jesus for the and you need to ask Jesus for the and you need to ask Jesus for the strength strength strength to have defiant hope. Counselors, Counselors, elders, wives, I'm invite them to be on elders, wives, I'm invite them to be on elders, wives, I'm invite them to be on the sides. Maybe you want to pray with the sides. Maybe you want to pray with the sides. Maybe you want to pray with somebody. They're always there. If you somebody. They're always there. If you somebody. They're always there. If you want to pray on your own, you can do want to pray on your own, you can do want to pray on your own, you can do this. You can do that today. You can do that today. Just take the hand of one of these Just take the hand of one of these Just take the hand of one of these prayer team members at the side and tell prayer team members at the side and tell prayer team members at the side and tell them you want to give your life to them you want to give your life to them you want to give your life to Jesus. And they'll know what to do Jesus. And they'll know what to do Jesus. And they'll know what to do as our worship. But some of you need to as our worship. But some of you need to as our worship. But some of you need to come and find relief from your anxiety come and find relief from your anxiety come and find relief from your anxiety in Jesus. And this needs to be a little in Jesus. And this needs to be a little in Jesus. And this needs to be a little bit of a defiant act. Saying, "Jesus, I bit of a defiant act. Saying, "Jesus, I bit of a defiant act. Saying, "Jesus, I need help. I need you to help me to need help. I need you to help me to need help. I need you to help me to trust in you and see things the way you trust in you and see things the way you trust in you and see things the way you see them." Someone invite you to come see them." Someone invite you to come see them." Someone invite you to come down here and ask for the ability to down here and ask for the ability to down here and ask for the ability to practice defiant joy. Father, I pray, practice defiant joy. Father, I pray, practice defiant joy. Father, I pray, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, have your way.

have your way. have your way. I know you look at us sometimes and you I know you look at us sometimes and you I know you look at us sometimes and you think, why do they make it so hard on think, why do they make it so hard on think, why do they make it so hard on themselves? You say to many right now themselves? You say to many right now themselves? You say to many right now through me, come unto me all you. Let many find the rest right now in this Let many find the rest right now in this moment at this altar. in worship. Let's respond by [music] in worship. Let's respond by [music] taking a step of surrender. Let's sing. taking a step of surrender. Let's sing. taking a step of surrender. Let's sing. Beautiful gospel. Beautiful gospel. Beautiful gospel. His love displayed [music] His love displayed [music] His love displayed [music] with all creation. with all creation. with all creation. His children long [music] His children long [music] His children long [music] to see the glory to see the glory to see the glory of his kingom come.

of his kingom come. of his kingom come. [music] [music] [music] My only [singing] hope. I lift my eyes. >> Eternal treasure >> Eternal treasure received by faith. received by faith. received by faith. [music] No [singing] condemnation. My only hope [music] My only hope [music] in life or [singing] death in life or [singing] death in life or [singing] death is Jesus [music] is Jesus [music] is Jesus [music] blood blood blood and righteousness. and righteousness. and righteousness. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] Oh, sing it again. My only hope for [music] this Jesus Christ for [music] this Jesus Christ [singing] righteousness [singing] righteousness [singing] righteousness [music] [music] [music] I lift my eyes. [singing] I lift my eyes. [singing] I lift my eyes. [singing] I put my [music] trust in you.

I put my [music] trust in you. I put my [music] trust in you. When he appears, When he appears, When he appears, this race [music] is over. [singing] this race [music] is over. [singing] this race [music] is over. [singing] There are no more tears. There are no more tears. There are no more tears. The reign of [singing] Jesus The reign of [singing] Jesus The reign of [singing] Jesus will never [music] will never [music] will never [music] end. end. end. And we will see him just as he [music] And we will see him just as he [music] And we will see him just as he [music] is. is. is. Anticipating Anticipating Anticipating when [music] he appears. when [music] he appears. when [music] he appears. This race is all over. There are no more This race is all over. There are no more This race is all over. There are no more [music and singing] tears. [music and singing] tears. [music and singing] tears. The real Jesus The real Jesus The real Jesus will never will never will never and we [music] will see him just as he and we [music] will see him just as he and we [music] will see him just as he is. is. is. Oh Jesus, [music] my only hope, Oh Jesus, [music] my only hope, Oh Jesus, [music] my only hope, my only hope my only hope my only hope in life [music] for death in life [music] for death in life [music] for death is Jesus blood is Jesus blood is Jesus blood and righteousness.

and righteousness. and righteousness. I lift my eyes. I lift my eyes. I lift my eyes. I put my [music] trust in you. for your righteousness. for your righteousness. I lift my eyes. [music] Just her voices search and say, [music] Just her voices search and say, [music] "My only hope "My only hope "My only hope in life or death in life or death in life or death is Jesus [music and singing] blood is Jesus [music and singing] blood is Jesus [music and singing] blood and righteousness. and righteousness. and righteousness. I lift my eyes. I lift my eyes. I lift my eyes. I put [music] my trust in you. [music] [music] Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Summit family.

Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Summit family. Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Summit family. This hope that we sing of is found in This hope that we sing of is found in This hope that we sing of is found in one name and that [music] name is Jesus. one name and that [music] name is Jesus. one name and that [music] name is Jesus. And he is the one who brings the hope And he is the one who brings the hope And he is the one who brings the hope [music] into our lives. We've still got [music] into our lives. We've still got [music] into our lives. We've still got people responding down here. And I want people responding down here. And I want people responding down here. And I want to call you if you feel like the Lord is to call you if you feel like the Lord is to call you if you feel like the Lord is putting something on [music] your heart. putting something on [music] your heart. putting something on [music] your heart. We would love the opportunity to pray We would love the opportunity to pray We would love the opportunity to pray with you. So please, please make your with you. So please, please make your with you. So please, please make your way down here. But as I send you out way down here. But as I send you out way down here. But as I send you out today, [music] I'm going to remind you today, [music] I'm going to remind you today, [music] I'm going to remind you of two really quick things. One, make of two really quick things. One, make of two really quick things. One, make sure you grab a prayer bracelet on your sure you grab a prayer bracelet on your sure you grab a prayer bracelet on your way out. And the second is the Oasis way out. And the second is the Oasis way out. And the second is the Oasis [music] Interest uh meeting that's going [music] Interest uh meeting that's going [music] Interest uh meeting that's going to be happening right outside these to be happening right outside these to be happening right outside these doors to your right. If you feel like doors to your right. If you feel like doors to your right. If you feel like God has put something on your heart and God has put something on your heart and God has put something on your heart and you are maybe maybe [music] your work is you are maybe maybe [music] your work is you are maybe maybe [music] your work is relocating you to Charlotte or maybe you relocating you to Charlotte or maybe you relocating you to Charlotte or maybe you have the opportunity to relocate um we have the opportunity to relocate um we have the opportunity to relocate um we would really like for you to consider would really like for you to consider would really like for you to consider [music] at least just going and seeing [music] at least just going and seeing [music] at least just going and seeing what the Lord is doing and how you can what the Lord is doing and how you can what the Lord is doing and how you can be a part of it. And so that is be a part of it. And so that is be a part of it. And so that is happening right outside these doors. But happening right outside these doors. But happening right outside these doors. But as we leave today again we want to leave as we leave today again we want to leave as we leave today again we want to leave the room in a space where people can the room in a space where people can the room in a space where people can respond. But also I want [music] to respond. But also I want [music] to respond. But also I want [music] to challenge you for you to go this week.

challenge you for you to go this week. challenge you for you to go this week. Go with the joy that the Lord has put in Go with the joy that the Lord has put in Go with the joy that the Lord has put in your [music] heart. Share that with your [music] heart. Share that with your [music] heart. Share that with someone this week. Invite them back with someone this week. Invite them back with someone this week. Invite them back with you and and bring them here next you and and bring them here next you and and bring them here next weekend. Summit family, you are loved weekend. Summit family, you are loved weekend. Summit family, you are loved and [music] you are sent. Thank you guys for joining us this Thank you guys for joining us this morning. Hey, I just want to give you morning. Hey, I just want to give you morning. Hey, I just want to give you guys an opportunity as well to pray with guys an opportunity as well to pray with guys an opportunity as well to pray with someone. If you need prayer, we would someone. If you need prayer, we would someone. If you need prayer, we would love to pray for you. You can go to love to pray for you. You can go to love to pray for you. You can go to live.summitchurch.com. summiturch.com to live.summitchurch.com. summiturch.com to live.summitchurch.com. summiturch.com to request prayer from one of our hosts request prayer from one of our hosts request prayer from one of our hosts there. And um yeah, we would love to do there. And um yeah, we would love to do there. And um yeah, we would love to do that. And maybe you're not able to join that. And maybe you're not able to join that. And maybe you're not able to join live or hop on the live chat. You can live or hop on the live chat. You can live or hop on the live chat. You can email [email protected] email [email protected] email [email protected] as well to submit your prayer request as well to submit your prayer request as well to submit your prayer request that way. But just know that we want to that way. But just know that we want to that way. But just know that we want to pray with you and would be happy to do pray with you and would be happy to do pray with you and would be happy to do that. So if you're able to hop on the that. So if you're able to hop on the that. So if you're able to hop on the live chat, that's a great way for us to live chat, that's a great way for us to live chat, that's a great way for us to partner with you in [music] prayer. Uh, partner with you in [music] prayer. Uh, partner with you in [music] prayer. Uh, also as Caleb was mentioning, don't also as Caleb was mentioning, don't also as Caleb was mentioning, don't forget the bracelets. So, if you guys forget the bracelets. So, if you guys forget the bracelets. So, if you guys online would like to pray for students online would like to pray for students online would like to pray for students for camp, you can email us online at for camp, you can email us online at for camp, you can email us online at summitchurch.com to request some names summitchurch.com to request some names summitchurch.com to request some names of students to pray for, and [music] of students to pray for, and [music] of students to pray for, and [music] we'd be happy to send that to you. Um, we'd be happy to send that to you. Um, we'd be happy to send that to you. Um, we've already had several people email we've already had several people email we've already had several people email in this morning, which is fantastic. So, in this morning, which is fantastic. So, in this morning, which is fantastic. So, help partner with us in prayer for these help partner with us in prayer for these help partner with us in prayer for these students and kids throughout camp over students and kids throughout camp over students and kids throughout camp over the next several weeks. Um, but we want the next several weeks. Um, but we want the next several weeks. Um, but we want to we want to be in a posture of prayer.

to we want to be in a posture of prayer. to we want to be in a posture of prayer. So whether that's praying with you, So whether that's praying with you, So whether that's praying with you, praying for students at camp, uh however praying for students at camp, uh however praying for students at camp, uh however we can, we want to seek the Lord and ask we can, we want to seek the Lord and ask we can, we want to seek the Lord and ask him for these for these things. So uh him for these for these things. So uh him for these for these things. So uh finally guys, I would encourage you to finally guys, I would encourage you to finally guys, I would encourage you to take something from this message today. take something from this message today. take something from this message today. Uh maybe God pointed out something to Uh maybe God pointed out something to Uh maybe God pointed out something to you or encouraged you in a way or you or encouraged you in a way or you or encouraged you in a way or challenged you and go share that with challenged you and go share that with challenged you and go share that with someone else. Share that with your someone else. Share that with your someone else. Share that with your someone in your life. Talk to them about someone in your life. Talk to them about someone in your life. Talk to them about what is God teaching you? Uh what is he what is God teaching you? Uh what is he what is God teaching you? Uh what is he doing in your life? Um especially with doing in your life? Um especially with doing in your life? Um especially with people who don't know the gospel and people who don't know the gospel and people who don't know the gospel and share the gospel with them. So, however share the gospel with them. So, however share the gospel with them. So, however we can help support you in that way, we we can help support you in that way, we we can help support you in that way, we would love to. You can always email us would love to. You can always email us would love to. You can always email us online at summitchurch.com online at summitchurch.com online at summitchurch.com and let us know if you have any and let us know if you have any and let us know if you have any questions of ways that we can help um questions of ways that we can help um questions of ways that we can help um pray for you or disciple uh you as well. pray for you or disciple uh you as well. pray for you or disciple uh you as well. All right, guys. Well, I hope to see you All right, guys. Well, I hope to see you All right, guys. Well, I hope to see you back whether online or in person next back whether online or in person next back whether online or in person next week. We hope you come and join us week. We hope you come and join us week. We hope you come and join us again. With that summit online, you are again. With that summit online, you are again. With that summit online, you are sent.

>> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music]

[music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music]

[music] >> Down. [music] [music] Hey. Hey. >> Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. [music]